Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma recently engaged with Vice-Chancellors of State Public Universities via video conferencing from Lok Bhavan in Mumbai. During the interaction, he encouraged the Vice-Chancellors to focus on improving their national rankings and to establish achievable targets periodically. Varma highlighted the importance of boosting the Gross Enrolment Ratio in universities by strengthening ties with schools and inspiring students to pursue higher education.
In line with this objective, Varma directed universities to undertake innovative initiatives through the ‘School Connect’ program, emphasizing the need for unconventional approaches in its implementation. He underscored the significance of the ‘Swayamsiddha’ initiative, aimed at enhancing women’s empowerment and employability through skill education, urging universities to take this initiative seriously.
Furthermore, Varma mentioned that Lok Bhavan would monitor the progress of both the ‘School Connect’ and ‘Swayamsiddha’ programs, requiring universities to provide quarterly reports on their efforts. He also proposed that universities excelling in these initiatives might be eligible for awards like medals or trophies, with successful initiatives serving as models for other institutions.
The Governor announced plans for in-depth discussions with all Vice-Chancellors in the near future. Additionally, Governor’s Secretary Prashant Narnaware briefed the attendees on various topics including the implementation of the National Education Policy, university rankings, women’s empowerment, skill development, and the ‘School Connect’ initiative.
A group of 17 senior military and civil service officers from India and friendly nations, currently undergoing Economic Diplomacy training at the National Defence College, visited Governor Jishnu Dev Varma at Lok Bhavan during their Maharashtra study tour. The delegation comprised high-ranking officers from the Indian Navy, Air Force, and Army, alongside officials from the Revenue Service, as well as senior military officers from countries like Russia, Oman, Indonesia, Nigeria, Nepal, and Tanzania, led by Major General Harkirat Singh, a Senior Faculty member at the National Defence College.
