The state government plans to set up an online university

The state government of PUNE Maharashtra is planning to establish an “Online University”. The Department of Higher and Technical Education has appointed a committee to prepare a report on the feasibility of such a university, its administrative structure, the resources needed, the courses to be taught and the operation of such universities abroad and in other Indian states. According to the government resolution released by the administration, the idea behind such an online university is to facilitate higher education for students who live in remote areas or far from their educational institutions in this pandemic era.

The ten-member committee is made up of several high-level experts from higher education. RK Shevgaonkar, former Vice-Chancellor of Savitribai Phule Pune University, was appointed Chairman of this committee. Shrivarmangai Ramanujam, IT Manager at Mumbai University, will act as the committee coordinator. The state government asked the committee to submit a report in six months.

“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic colleges, universities across the state are teaching students through various online portals and apps. Students who live far from their educational establishments cannot be present there regularly. Due to online university, students will not have to be physically present and they will not have to spend on accommodation, travel. This option is viable for students who want to take online training. It will also help to continue uninterrupted education in this pandemic situation,” said the government resolution issued by the Department of Higher and Technical Education.

The ten-member committee set up to study and define the feasibility of such a university had been instructed to prepare a detailed and comprehensive report within six months. The committee was tasked to study online universities in developed countries and come up with a policy based on that of Maharashtra. Also, he will have to check the legalities related to his establishment. Recommendations for basic facilities, human resources and other equipment should be included in this report. The committee will also have to finalize the eligibility criteria for teachers, staff members who will be hired by this university. With these fundamental and essential points, the committee was instructed to prepare a comprehensive report on the formation of such a university.