Chandrakant Patil Interacts With College Students at Mantralaya

Maharashtra Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil met with college students during a two-hour interactive session at Mantralaya on Wednesday to address their academic, social, and personal concerns.

During the session, students shared their experiences regarding the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), discussing both the benefits and challenges encountered in their institutions.

Patil stated that efforts are underway to launch an initiative through universities, colleges, and the Higher and Technical Education Department to provide female students with monthly pocket money of Rs 2,000. The proposed measure aims to support women pursuing higher education and foster financial independence and confidence.

The minister also noted that the government is working to expand internship opportunities so that students can gain hands-on practical experience alongside regular classroom studies. Additionally, he urged history students to take an active role in preserving the state’s cultural heritage, architecture, and historical monuments.

“Student life is an important stage for personality development. Along with acquiring knowledge and skills, students should develop a sense of social responsibility and contribute to society,” Patil said during the interaction.

Emphasising the need for regular communication between institutions and learners, Patil encouraged students to raise their issues openly and asked universities and colleges to maintain an ongoing dialogue with them. He added that direct interactions enable the education department to better understand and address student aspirations and difficulties.

Mumbai University Vice-Chancellor Prof Ravindra Kulkarni, the principal of Khalsa College, and students representing Ruia College and Siddharth College attended the meeting at Mantralaya.