Articles by Niraj Pandit
State to launch ‘MAHASWAYAM’ portal for online higher education courses
The state government of Maharashtra is set to launch 'MAHASWAYAM', a portal dedicated to higher education courses, similar to the central government's SWAYAM portal. The aim is to provide a comprehensive platform for online courses and adapt to the changing landscape of education. The portal will be designed in collaboration with state universities and will focus on courses related to Indian Knowledge Systems. The government also plans to leverage social media for information dissemination and ensure regular updates through a Twitter handle for the Higher and Technical Education Department.
Updated on Jan 06, 2024 08:10 AM IST
Parity in stipends, paid leaves in new PG medical regulations
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has introduced reforms in postgraduate medical education, including equal stipends for PG students at private and state-run colleges, minimum casual leave, and residential accommodation. The regulations also outline penalties for non-compliance and address seat reservations and the establishment of academic cells. The NMC has postponed the National Exit Test (NExT) until further notice. PG students in private medical colleges have long complained about lower stipends compared to government medical colleges.
Updated on Jan 05, 2024 07:18 AM IST
MU rectifies technical error in MA semester four results
The Mumbai University had to revoke and revise semester four MA results for around 1,900 students due to a technical error in the conversion of marks into SGPA.
Updated on Jan 04, 2024 08:02 AM IST
Somaiya students’ amateur radio satellite takes to the skies
An amateur radio satellite created by students and named ‘Somaiya Beliefsat-0’ was successfully launched on New Year’s Eve at 9.10 am from Sriharikota’s premier launch pad. The satellite serves as a payload on the PSLV-C58 mission’s PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) platform
Updated on Jan 02, 2024 07:50 AM IST
BMC Aarey school’s new timings upset parents
The decision comes in response to concerns raised by BMC officials about the traffic congestion on the narrow roads of Aarey during peak hours. The officials cited the unique geographical challenge, as the school is situated in a forest area where leopards roam freely
Updated on Dec 31, 2023 08:06 AM IST
MU approves new curriculum for over 100 subjects in preparation for four-year degree courses
The University of Mumbai has approved new curricula for over 100 subjects in BA, BSc, and BCom, as it moves towards implementing four-year degree courses by 2024-25. The move aligns with the New Education Policy and aims to offer flexible and employment-oriented educational opportunities. The university has already granted this privilege to autonomous colleges and will extend it to non-autonomous colleges. The curriculum and credit scheme received approval from the academic council, and the implementation will be carried out in a step-by-step manner. The university has formed clusters of colleges to decentralize the implementation process and promote a multidisciplinary approach to learning.
Updated on Dec 31, 2023 06:56 AM IST
ISRO chairman urges IITians to join India’s space programs
Somanath elaborated on ISRO’s ambitious goals, including the launch of the ‘Bharat Antriksh Station’ (Indian Space Station) by 2035, with the initial phase set for 2028. He highlighted the aim to land a human on the moon by 2040 through the Gaganyan mission and underscored the need for research collaborations in areas such as material science and robotics
Updated on Dec 29, 2023 07:08 AM IST
Temp lecturers have not been paid since 6 months
Around 42% teaching positions in aided colleges in Maharashtra remain vacant, leading to the appointment of temporary lecturers on a clock hour basis. However, these lecturers have not been paid for the last six months due to a delay in paperwork, causing financial strain for many. The College Accreditation Department is allegedly operating slowly, leading to further delays in salary disbursement. Despite a large number of vacancies, 3,580 positions announced by the government in November 2018 remain unfilled.
Updated on Dec 26, 2023 07:26 AM IST
Marathi theatre producers to boycott Shivaji Mandir Natyagruh
Marathi theatre producers are boycotting the renowned Shivaji Mandir Natyagruh in Mumbai due to dissatisfaction with new management practices, including an increase in rent and issues related to show dates. The boycott will result in the cancellation of 23 highly anticipated plays, causing disappointment among theatre enthusiasts. The producers are calling for a collaborative effort with the theatre management to find a solution. The officials from the Shree Chhatrapati Shivaji Smarak Mandal (Trust) have not yet commented on the situation.
Updated on Dec 25, 2023 07:14 AM IST
Univ inks pact with Oxford, to offer temple management courses
The department of Sanskrit and the Centre for Hindu Studies at the University of Mumbai will contribute to the Bhagavata Purana master project of the Oxford Center for Hindu Studies
Updated on Dec 23, 2023 07:42 AM IST
Govt to review egg prices for midday meals
The state government in Maharashtra, India, has committed to reviewing the price of eggs every month in order to ensure a steady supply for midday meals in schools. This comes after the fluctuating prices of eggs caused difficulties for school managements and teachers' organisations tasked with implementing a government resolution to enhance protein intake for school children. The evaluation of prices will be based on rates fixed by the National Egg Coordination Committee. School management committees have also called for assistance in establishing a reliable supply-chain channel.
Updated on Dec 22, 2023 07:00 AM IST
Backlash over new semester registration policy at TISS
According to a notice from the TISS administration, semester registration is now contingent upon clearance all previous fee dues and available only after payment of such dues and the semester fee
Updated on Dec 21, 2023 07:08 AM IST
State plans to establish cluster schools across 163 locations
The state education department in Mumbai plans to establish cluster schools in 163 locations to enhance education quality, by merging nearby schools that have less than 20 students enrolled. These cluster schools aim to offer improved facilities, access to high-quality teachers, and a more diverse peer group. The proposal is currently being reviewed for feasibility before being forwarded to the state government.
Updated on Dec 17, 2023 08:10 AM IST
JJ hospital resident doctors allege harassment by HOD, threaten mass leave from Monday
Resident doctors at JJ Hospital in Mumbai have accused the head of the dermatology department of harassment and creating a hostile work environment. They have demanded his immediate removal and threatened to go on leave if their demands are not addressed. Other faculty members have also expressed support for the residents. A committee has been formed to investigate the allegations.
Updated on Dec 17, 2023 07:52 AM IST
Ande ka funda: Schools ask for hike in budget for eggs in meals
The rising price of eggs in Mumbai is making it difficult for schools to follow a government mandate to serve eggs to children as part of their meals. Schools are requesting an increase in funds to provide the essential nutrition.
Updated on Dec 16, 2023 08:30 AM IST
State orders eviction of IAS aspirants from govt-run training centre
The 100 students, who were selected through a rigorous process, were shocked to receive an eviction notice on December 11, barely a week after commencing classes
Updated on Dec 14, 2023 06:58 AM IST
Contaminated food supplied to anganwadi children sparks parental outrage
Parents in Ghatkopar and Vikhroli have expressed grave concerns as nutritional raw grains provided to children aged 6 months to 3 years through anganwadis have been found contaminated with rat and lizard excreta, along with larvae
Updated on Dec 13, 2023 06:58 AM IST
Around 1,600 city schools still waiting for implementation of attendance bot
Mumbai: Around 1,600 schools across the city including BMC-run and government-aided schools, are still awaiting orders from the local bodies to implement online attendance
Updated on Dec 11, 2023 07:38 AM IST
33 FY BSc IT students barred from exam over revised eligibility criteria
Mumbai: Thirty-three first-year (FY) BSc in Information Technology (IT) students at Shree Rajasthani Seva Sangh College, Andheri have been barred from appearing for the semester one examination scheduled to commence on December 15
Updated on Dec 09, 2023 07:16 AM IST
State implements new examination criteria for admission in classes 6 and 9
Mumbai: The state government on Thursday released a government resolution (GR) stating the revised admission criteria for students seeking entry into classes 6 and 9
Updated on Dec 08, 2023 07:24 AM IST
Teachers’ salaries to be now paid from coop bank headed by BJP MLC
MUMBAI: The state government on Tuesday directed government and government-aided schools in the city to open salary accounts for their teaching and non-teaching staff in the Mumbai District Cooperative Bank headed by BJP MLC Praveen Darekar
Updated on Dec 07, 2023 08:48 AM IST
Participate in Adult literacy programme or face FIR, says state
Mumbai: A notice has been issued by the director of secondary education, Block Development Officer (BDO) of various blocks to all government and aided school principals across the state, mandating their participation in the ‘Nav Saksharta Abhiyan’ (New India Literacy Programme or NILP)
Updated on Dec 07, 2023 07:54 AM IST
Policy on transgenders’ inclusion in higher edu likely soon
Mumbai: The state government will soon draw up a policy for the inclusion of transgender students in higher education
Updated on Dec 06, 2023 06:46 AM IST
IIT-B sets up recharge zone for stressed students
IIT Bombay's Student Wellness Centre has set up a 'Recharge Zone' at the Powai campus to help students cope with stress and anxiety during placement season. The zone offers sessions on pet therapy, foot spa, art, and yoga. The move comes as the number of students seeking help from inhouse counsellors has increased significantly, particularly after the pandemic. The centre has also increased the number of counsellors and introduced special initiatives to support students.
Updated on Dec 04, 2023 06:40 AM IST
Corporate giant set to adopt 5,000 govt schools: Minister
Kesarkar clarifies the schools will not in any way be privatised and scheme aims to better infrastructure
Updated on Dec 03, 2023 06:52 AM IST
IIT-B kicks off placement season with 200 pre-placement offers
IIT Bombay's placement season begins with 200 pre-placement offers accepted, and more than 350 companies expected to participate. HPCL, C-DOT, and ONGC recruit on day one, with Google India, Apple, and Microsoft India also taking part. Highest salary offered is ₹25 lakh per annum.
Updated on Dec 02, 2023 07:56 AM IST
UGC directs state univs to celebrate ABVP founder’s centenary
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed all universities in Maharashtra to commemorate the centenary of Dattaji Didolkar, founder of the ABVP. The Yuva Sena has demanded the withdrawal of the directive, accusing the UGC of political pressure.
Updated on Nov 29, 2023 07:40 AM IST
Lack of Aadhaar bars registration of 450 street children on govt portal
Civic and aided schools in Mumbai are facing difficulties in registering over 450 children on the UDISE+ portal due to the lack of Aadhaar numbers. These children, who were admitted to schools during a special drive, are unable to access government benefits and other essential facilities. NGOs are also struggling to enroll children without Aadhaar and relevant documents. The education department is working to resolve the issue by providing necessary assistance and collecting details for Aadhaar registration.
Updated on Nov 28, 2023 07:24 AM IST
State edu board to discontinue 16 bifocal courses
From the academic year 2024-25, popular bifocal courses in Mumbai will be converted into employment-oriented specialized courses in line with the National Skill Qualification Framework. The decision aims to align education with evolving technology and improve educational standards. The Maharashtra government has issued a resolution mandating the introduction of these new vocational courses. Existing teachers will receive training to continue instructing the current courses, while new teachers must meet the prescribed qualifications. The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education will organize examinations for the new syllabus.
Updated on Nov 27, 2023 08:02 AM IST
27-year-old, who topped LLB merit list, moves HC after MU denies admission
Walunj, who is categorised as OBC, emphasised that his family’s yearly income is below ₹8 lakh, qualifying him as a non-creamy layer candidate. He further states that a mistake by a clerk in the admission section, who overlooked the state certificate, led to his disqualification
Updated on Nov 27, 2023 07:54 AM IST