Chapter 3: Profile of Savitribai Phule Pune University

CHAPTER 3: PROFILE OF SAVITRIBAI PHULE PUNE UNIVERSITY

3.1 Formation of Savitribai Phule University of Pune

At the beginning of 1949 official gazette of formation of the University of Pune was declared and on 10th February 1949 the foundation day of University of Pune was celebrated. The university was first started in the "Nizam Guest House” of Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, Pune. On 15th April 1948, Dr. M.R. Jaykar was appointed as the first Vice-Chancellor of the University of Pune. On 1st June 1949, the University was shifted to its new premises at Ganeshkhind, Pune. Prof. Gopalchandra Banerjee was appointed as the first Registrar of the University. In order to assist the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar, the following persons were appointed Shri V.K. Dhamankar, Shri Sharad Talwalkar, Shri C.K. Khanwelkar and Shri G.J. Abhyankar.1 Savitribai Phule Pune University is largest University in the Maharashtra State. The area covered by the University are (1) Pune District,(2) Ahmednagar District,(3) Nashik District. There are total 643 Colleges, 229 Management Institutes and 70 Research Centers affiliated with this University.

3.2 Motto of the University

The motto of the University is “Where Actions Prove Knowledge”. The motto of the University stresses on “Kriyavaan" (one who dares to act) and maintains that the one who contributes to the well being of the society is the real Pandit.

3.3 Vision of the University

Becoming a vibrant Knowledge Centre and a Centre of Excellence in teaching research and extension activities; Bringing about conservation creation, advancement, and dissemination of knowledge; Creating technologically equipped thought and action leaders in a wide range of spheres by providing value-based and high-quality education; Generating cutting-edge research and innovations, and enabling empowerment through social and regional inclusion; Increasing global linkages by attracting international students and establishing collaborative programs with educational institutions of repute.

3.4 Mission Statement of the University

" The Mission of Savitribai Phule Pune University is to be a global, socially conscious Centre of Excellence in the conservation, creation, advancement and dissemination of knowledge, equipped to take up challenges of the enormous change taking place all around and committed to empower its faculty and students to contribute meaningfully to economic, technological and social development and progress. "

3.5 Quality Policy of the University

" Savitribai Phule Pune University strives to be recognized as a vibrant Knowledge Centre and a Centre of Excellence in teaching, research and extension activities in a wide range of spheres by providing value-based and high-quality education.

The quality policy reiterates its commitment to be a global, socially conscious Centre of Excellence in the conservation, creation, advancement, and dissemination of knowledge. Keeping in mind the dynamic environment, the policy encourages empowerment of its faculty and students to contribute meaningfully to the economic, technological and social development and progress by ensuring quality and ethics in all its activities."

3.6 The Poona University Act, 1948

The Poona University Act, 1948 (Act XX of 1948)2 came into existence after it received the assent of the Governor in the “Bombay Government Gazette” on 24th March 1948. The area covered by the act was (1) Poona District, (2) Ahmednagar District, (3) Nashik District, (4) Kolaba District (5) Dhulia District. (6) Thana District and (7) Jalgaon District. The following were the Officers of the University:-

1. The Chancellor, 2. The Pro-Chancellor, if any, 3. The Vice-Chancellor, 4. The Deans of Faculties, and 5. The Registrar;

The main aims of the Act were to provide for instruction, teaching and training in such branches of learning and courses of study as it may think fit and to make

provision for research and for the advancement and dissemination of knowledge, appoint or recognize persons or professors, readers or lecturers or otherwise as teachers of the University. Make provisions for the maintenance of University Officers' Training Corps or other similar training Corps. and Employment Bureau. Appoint teachers and servants of the University, fix their emoluments and define their duties and conditions of their service and discipline. The following were the authorities of the university, namely: (1) The Court, (2) The Executive Council (3) The Academic Council; (4) The Faculties, (5) The Board of Studies and (6) The Board of University Teaching in Poona.

In order to introduce uniformity in the several laws relating to the various Universities in the State; to promote a more equitable distribution of facilities for higher education in the different areas of the State; to provide for more efficient administration and financial control, and better organization of teaching and research; to ensure faithful observance of the law in all matters, including the selection and appointment of teachers and other employees; to give representation to student on certain bodies; to provide for wider representation to teachers, and by all such means, generally to improve the governance of the University and the facilities it provides for higher education; it was expedient to consolidate and amend the law relating to the University of Poona and hence the Poona University Act, 1948 was amended.

3.7 The Poona University Act, 1974

The Poona University Act, 1974 (Maharashtra Act No. XXIII of 1974)3 assent was first published in the Maharashtra Government Gazette, Part IV, Extra-ordinary, on the 17th May 1974. The Governments of both the Union and the State had appointed Divers Committees to consider and recommend measures for the better governance of Universities and the reorganization of higher education. The area covered by the act was (1) Poona District, (2) Ahmednagar District, (3) Nashik District, (4) Jalgaon District and (5) Dhulia District.

Officers of the University:- 1. The Chancellor; 2. The Vice-Chancellor; 3. The Deans of Faculties; 4. The Registrar; 5. The Librarian; 6. The Director of Students' Welfare.

The Act provided for instruction, teaching, and training in such branches of learning and courses of studies as it may think fit and to make provision for research and the advancement and dissemination of knowledge, appoint or recognize persons or professors, readers or lecturers or otherwise as teachers of the University. Create administrative, ministerial and other posts, make appointments and prescribe their qualification and the terms and conditions of their service. The following were authorities of the university: (1) The Senate; (2) The Executive Council; (3) The Academic Council; (4) The Faculties; (5) The Board of Inter-Disciplinary Studies; (6) The Board of Studies; (7) The Board of University Teaching and Research; (8) The Board of Extra-Mural Studies; (9) The Students’ Council.

3.8 The Maharashtra Universities Act, 1994

The Maharashtra Universities Act, 1994 (Maharashtra Act No. XXXV of 1994)4 assent was first published in the Maharashtra Government Gazette, Part IV on the 21st July 1994. This Act was enacted to unify, consolidate and amend the law relating to the non-agricultural and non-technological universities in the State of Maharashtra. The areas covered by the act was (1) Pune District, (2) Ahmednagar District, (3) Nashik District.

The smooth and efficient administration is an important aspect of any organization and institution. Hence, it is necessary to generate proper authorities at various level.

Determination of responsibilities and Authorities are required for the efficient work force. SPPU has following Officers and Authorities of the University:- 1. The Chancellor; 2. The Vice-Chancellor; 3. The Pro-Vice-Chancellor; 4. The Deans of Faculties; 5. The Registrar; 6. The Controller of Examinations; 7. The Director of Sub-campus of the University; 8. The Director, Board of College and University Development; 9. The Librarian of the University Library; 10. The Finance and Accounts Officer; 11. The Director of Student Welfare; 12. Such other officers in the service of the university as may be prescribed by Statutes. The Act provided for instruction, teaching, and training in such branches of learning and courses of studies as it may think fit and to make provision for research and the advancement and dissemination of knowledge, appoint or recognize persons or professors, readers or lecturers or otherwise as teachers of the University. Create posts of directors, principals, professors, readers, lecturers and other administrative, ministerial, non-teaching skilled and other posts, make appointments to it and prescribe their qualification and the terms and conditions of their service. The following were authorities of the University: (1) The Senate; (2) The Management Council; (3) The Academic Council; (4) The Faculty; (5) The Board of College and University Development, (5-A) The Board of University Teaching and Research; (6) The Board of Studies; (7) The Board of Inter-disciplinary studies; (8) The Board of Examinations; (9) The Board of Adult,Continuing Edu. and Extension Services; (10) The Students’ Council.

3.9 The Maharashtra Public Universities Act, 2016

The Maharashtra Public Universities Act, 2016 (Maharashtra Act No. VI of 2017)5 was published, after having received the assent of the Governor in the “Maharashtra Government Gazette,” on the 11th January 2017. The Government of Maharashtra had appointed committees under the Chairmanships of Dr. Arun Nigvekar, Dr.Anil Kakodkar, Dr.Ram Takwale and Late Mrs. Kumud Bansal to consider and recommend on different aspects of higher education and learning and to suggest various measures to ensure such autonomy. After considering the recommendations of the said committees the Government of Maharashtra considered it expedient to make a law to provide for academic autonomy and excellence, adequate representation through democratic process, transformation, strengthening and regulating higher education and to regulate the non-agricultural and non-medical universities in the State of Maharashtra in more effective manner, to provide for participation of universities in social and educational spheres ,to establish Maharashtra State Commission for Higher Education and Development,to constitute various Boards, and to repeal the Maharashtra Universities Act,1994. This Act is called the Maharashtra Public Universities Act,2016 and it came into force on 1st March 2017.

The Act has provided for the following Officers of the University:-

1. The Chancellor; 2. The Vice-Chancellor; 3. The Pro-Vice-Chancellor; 4. The Registrar; 5. The Deans of Faculties; 6. The Director of Board of Examinations and Evaluation; 7. The Finance and Accounts Officer; 8. The Director of Sub-campus of the University; 9. The Director of Innovation, Incubation, and Linkages; 10. The Director Knowledge Resource Center; 11. The Director of Lifelong Learning and Extension; 12. The Director of Students' Development; 13. The Director of Sports and Physical Education;

14. The Director of National Service Scheme; 15. Such other officers in the service of the university as may be prescribed by Statutes.

The Act provided to disseminate, create and preserve knowledge and understanding by teaching, research and development, skill development, training and education, extension and service and by effective demonstration and influence of its corporate life on society in general. It further provided for instructions, extension, teaching, learning, and training in such branches or subjects or disciplines and courses of study including a choice based credit system and any other system that may emerge in future. To create posts of directors, principals, university teachers, non-vacation academic staff, non-teaching skilled, administrative, ministerial staff and other posts required by the university, from its funds and from the resources received from other funding agencies, prescribe their qualifications, experience and pay-scales, and make appointments to the posts of directors, principals, university teachers, non-vacation academic staff, non-teaching skilled, administrative, ministerial staff and other posts sanctioned by the State Government as per the qualifications and experience specified by the State Government and the University Grants Commission. To co-ordinate and regulate teaching, learning, training and research and extension in the colleges and recognized institutions. To provide for the training and education in the domain of quality, intensive workshops or learning exercises on enhancing quality, and also a mechanism for setting up of internal quality assurance for quality improvement of teachers and non-teaching employees. To provide for the periodical assessment of the performance of teachers and non- teaching employees in the colleges, institutions, and university by the norms prescribed by the University Grants Commission or the State Government. The following are the authorities of the University, namely: (1) The Senate; (2) The Management Council; (3) The Academic Council; (4) The Faculty; (5) The Board of Deans; (6) The Board of Sub-campuses of the University; (7) The Board of Studies;

(8) The Board of University Departments and Inter-disciplinary studies; (9) The Board of Post-Graduate Education in Colleges; (10) The Board of Lifelong Learning and Extension; (11) The Board of Examinations and Evaluation; (12) The Board of Information Technology; (13) The Board of National and International Linkages; (14) The Board for Innovation, Incubation, and Enterprise; (15) The Board of Students' Development; (16) The Board of Sports and Physical Education; (17) The Board of Research; (18) Such other bodies of the university as are designated by the Statutes, to be the authorities of the university.

3.10 Vice-Chancellors of SPPU from date of establishment1(a)

1. Barrister M.R. Jaykar was the first Vice-Chancellor, and he was appointed Vice-Chancellor twice from 1948 to 1956. Jayakar had studied LL.B. in Bombay in 1902 and become a barrister in 1905 in London. In 1905 he was enrolled as an advocate of the Bombay High Court. He was Director of Bombay Chronicle. 2. Dr. Sir Raghunath Puroshottam Paranjape was the second Vice- Chancellor of the University. He worked from 18th April 1956 to 30th May 1959. He had studied at the Cambridge University and graduated from that University in 1899. 3. Prin. Dattatreya Gopal Karve was the third Vice-Chancellor of the University from 1st June 1959 to 15th May 1961. He had studied in New English School and Fergusson College, Pune. He was an economist of international repute. 4. Mahamahobadhyaya Prof. Datto Vaman Potdar was the fourth Vice-Chancellor of the University from 1st July 1961 to 30th June 1964. He had studied at Fergusson College and New Poona College ( now S.P. College ), He was a great History-Researcher, Orator, Literature and Social Worker.

5. Dr. Narhar Vishnu alias Kakasaheb Gadgil was the fifth Vice- Chancellor of the University from 1st July 1964 to 12th January 1966. After doing his B.A., LL.B. he started the practice of Law in Pune. 6. Dr. Dhananjay Ramchandra Gadgil was the sixth Vice-Chancellor of University from 3rd March 1966 to 29th August 1967. He studied M.A. and M.Lit. from Cambridge University. 7. Dr. Hari Vinayak Pataskar was the seventh Vice-Chancellor of the University from 5th September 1967 to 21st February 1970. He had studied in Fergusson College, Pune and Government Law College in Mumbai. 8. Dr.Balkrishna Pandurang Apte was the eighth Vice-Chancellor of the University. He was 49 years of age and youngest Vice-Chancellor. He worked from 15th June,70 to 3rd May, 72. 9. Dr. Ganesh Sakharam Mahajani was the ninth Vice-Chancellor of the University from 4th May 1972 to 18th January 1975. In the year 1924, he was graduated from Cambridge University and was known as Wrangler. 10. Prin. Devdat Achut Dabholkar was the tenth Vice-Chancellor of the University from 18th January 1975 to 22nd August 1978. He was Principal from 1960 to 1968 at Chintamani College of Commerce, Sangli and from 1971 to 1975 at Fergusson College, Pune. 11. Dr. R.G. Takawale was the eleventh Vice Chancellor of the University from 23rd August, 1978 to 22nd August, 1984. He had studied B.Sc. from Fergusson College, Pune and completed his Ph.D. from Russia. 12. Renowned Scientist Dr. Vishnu Ganesh Bhide was the twelfth Vice- Chancellor of the University from 23rd August, 1984 to 15th November, 1988. He studied M.Sc. and Ph.D. from Nagpur University. 13. Dr. Shreedhar Gupte was the thirteenth Vice-Chancellor of the University from 1989 to 18th April, 1995. He was a post-graduate student of Geography, and later he acquired Ph.D. from the University of Pune.

14. Dr. Vasant Gowarikar was the fourteenth Vice-Chancellor of the University from 1995 to 1998. He was a scientist of international repute. He studied M.Sc. and Ph.D. from Birmingham University, London. 15. Dr. Arun Nigavekar was the fifteenth Vice-Chancellor of the University from 11th April 1988 to 2000. Dr. Nigavekar was a Physicist and Ph.D. in Solid State Physics. Prior he was Founder- Director of National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), Bangalore. 16. Dr. Ashok Kolaskar was the sixteenth Vice-Chancellor of the University from 2001 to 2006. Prof. Kolaskar has Master Degree in Science from Nagpur University in 1969. In 1976, he got a Ph.D. from Indian Institute of Science (IIS), Bangalore. 17. Dr. Narendra Jadhav was the seventeenth Vice- Chancellor of the University from 2006- 2009. He completed his B.Sc. in Statistics from Ramnarain Ruia College, University of Mumbai in 1973 and M.A. in Economics from the University of Mumbai in 1975. He later earned a Ph.D. in Economics from Indiana University, USA in 1986. 18. Dr. Raghunath Shevgaokar was the eighteenth Vice-Chancellor of the University from 2010-2011. He passed Master of Technology (M.Tech) in Electrical Engineering from IIT, Kanpur with specialization in Electromagnetic and Optical fibers 1977. In 1985 he did his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from I.I.T.,Bombay. 19. Dr. Wasudeo Gade was the nineteenth Vice-Chancellor of the University from 2012. Dr. Gade did his B.Sc. in Biology from Nagpur University, M.Sc. (Life Sciences), M.Phil. Moreover, Ph.D. in Life Sciences from the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. Dr. Gade was the Director of Board for Colleges and University Development (BCUD) before his appointment as Vice-Chancellor. 20. Dr. Nitin Raghunath Karmalkar is twenth Vice-Chancellor of the Savitribai Phule Pune University from 18th May 2017. He was Professor and Head of the department of Environment science in SPPU. Dr. Karmalkar was Co-ordinator of IQAC Committee constituted by SPPU.

3.11 Organization and Development of SPPU-Teaching & Administrative Staff The Savitribai Phule Pune University (then University of Pune) was established in 1949. The very goal behind the establishment of the Savitribai Phule Pune University was to serve the educational and cultural needs of the Marathi speaking region of the (then) Bombay Province. Along with it, the University provided attention to bring about a qualitative development in teaching and research. Today this university has got an international reputation, as it provides good facilities for higher education students in subjects from various faculties and in research. This university with the aim of social commitment responds to the needs of society. The University has made special efforts as it has made special efforts to make higher education available to the persons from different communities who can or cannot get benefits from the higher education. It is not only one of the largest but a renowned university in the world. Besides teaching, research and in administrative aspects, this university has obtained several milestones of success and excellence in several fields. This university is a symbol of international integration as the number of foreign students studying in this university is largest in the country i.e. about 1898. This university is engaged in conducting several socially oriented extension programs such as senior citizens, unorganized workers, national integration, NGOs, women empowerment, tribal development, adolescence education, counseling employment, and entrepreneurship, etc. Universities work for the community has been appreciated by many national and international organizations. Besides it, the university has been succeeded in Finance and other administrative divisions. The University has been admired by NAAC twice, as well as the UGC has awarded the status with potential for excellence to this university. The University has initiated community radio i.e. Vidyavani. The University is promoting the research to the teachers in colleges and university department. University has established a Research Advisory Committee (RAC) for subjects of science and humanities too. The university organizes innovative activity viz. `Innovations’ which promotes research culture among colleges and University. The University has created a center for Skill Development. Its goal is to inculcate and develop skill development in university and colleges. The University has developed coordination and collaboration for academic and research purpose; with the goal of promotion of academic aspects as well as the development of teachers.

Maharashtra and especially the Savitribai Phule Pune University have always been at the forefront of evolving new paradigms, which involve new thought processes. Existence of the largest youth force, belonging to cross section of society spread over the three districts Pune, Nasik and Ahmednagar both in urban and rural divide of Western Maharashtra, rapidly growing economy, emergence of knowledge as a key driver for the economy, the need to quickly bridge the aspiration gaps are all very compelling reasons for accelerating pointers in respect of all encompassing quality higher education, The University's approach has been to achieve excellence through expansive and inclusive policy. The mandate before the University has been to produce students with a high degree of drive, resilience, and enthusiasm for multicultural and interdisciplinary learning agility, students installed with the capacity to develop new skills and behaviors according to role requirements of a rapidly developing market and global economy. The University has provided freedom for innovation in teaching, learning, and evaluation powered by the technology of synergized core and skills education. To cite an instance, the University has recently initiated a novel program - B.Sc. Blended, in collaboration with Melbourne University and IISER, Pune.

A highly qualified, motivated, dedicated teaching staff and state of the art teaching and research facilities at par with the international standards has been the biggest strength of this University, and the University is relentlessly working towards keeping a very high standard of teaching, learning and evaluation following well-crafted pedagogies and innovative approaches. As a result, the University is ranked the Best University in the country in 'Teaching' parameter amongst Indian universities, next only to the Indian Institute of Sciences (IISc)-Bangalore, by Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2016. The University is a part of 'Universities with Potential for Excellence (UPE) Phase-II' scheme of UGC with a financial grant of INR 50 Crore, aimed at enabling a The University "to adapt to modern methods of teaching and learning, developing learner-friendly lecture materials, changing its evaluation methods and striving for excellence, to sustain itself in this competitive world". University Grant Commission (UGC) has selected 14 Departments of the University as having the potential for research and teaching under its "Special Assistance Program (SAP), a program intended to encourage the pursuit of excellence and teamwork in advanced teaching and research to accelerate the realization of

international standards in specific fields. 8 Departments have achieved the status of 'Centre of Advanced Studies(CAS)' of academic and research excellence. The University has developed a full-fledged modern 'e-Content Development & Learning Innovation Centre' on the campus. The University has also created 25-course modules and established 29 digital classrooms with financial support from RUSA. This was presented at a National level as a State Government's creation, which was accepted by the MHRD. This facility was inaugurated by Smt.Smriti Zubin Irani, the then Hon'ble Minister of Human Resource Development, Govt. of India on 3rd June 2016.

3.12 SPPU: New Directions and Innovative Policies

India shares the global challenge of higher education in the 21st century. An unprecedented rise in the number of university students, their changing social profile, the rise of interconnected networks of knowledge facilitated by new technologies, greater integration of world economy, increasing recognition of cultural plurality and the emergence of new problems that defy existing solutions define the context of higher education all over the globe. SPPU believes that these changes present the university with the challenge of innovation. This challenge requires innovations that go beyond changes in management, governance, and financing. The new century has brought new issues (climate change, technologies of biological intervention, trans-national law and justice) and has brought to fore some old issues (global poverty, accommodation of diversities, energy crisis) that defy the existing divisions and protocols of knowledge and demand adequate and fast responses to problems that affect the well-being of humanity and indeed the planet. The context of knowledge production has been changing because of the dynamics of the interrelated phenomena in the real world. The University accepts that no single discipline will be able to generate adequate and complete knowledge about the interrelated phenomena and to provide solutions to the problems of the real world. SPPU established in 1949, is a dynamic, fast-growing multi-faculty State University that is pursuing excellence in teaching, research and professional education. This publicly funded University is committed to nurturing and developing students’ talent and creating applicable knowledge to support social and economic advancement currently witnessed by India. SPPU is spread over 411 acres in the heart of Pune city of the Indian State of Maharashtra. It is excellent educational facilities draw students

not only from different parts of the country but more than 60 other nations. This University is one of the distinguished Universities in the world with a student strength of over six lakhs, studying in 52 post Graduate Departments on campus, 643 Affiliated Colleges, 229 Recognized Management Institutes, and 70 Research Institutes. The faculty is among the best, and a comprehensive range of programs and courses make it the University of Choice for those seeking quality educations in an environment conducive to learning. The University is re-accredited with “A” Grade by NAACin 2011. UGC has recognized SPPU as “University with Potential for Excellence (UPE)” with Phase I and Phase II Support. DST has also awarded their PURSE scheme. UGC has nominated SPPU to represent India in the internationalization program of UGC. In 1986, two sub-centres were established to decentralize activities to reduce inconvenience to teachers and students. Recently, the University has obtained 32 hectors of land for Ahmednagar Sub-Centre and 24 hectors of land for Nashik Sub- Centre. University is currently in the process of strengthening of the Sub-Centres. Enhancing the quality of education is the prime importance of this university. Accordingly new directions and policies are formulated. The University has started a very innovative program like M.Tech. (Aviation) In collaboration with Fachschule Fur Liftfahrzeugfuhrer Germany, Integrated M.Tech. Ph.D. Programme in Faculty of Technology. Also for the need of the students and teachers, University decided to establish Central Instrumentation Facilities (CIF) at four places i.e. University Campus, Ahmednagar Sub-Centre, Nashik Sub-Centre and Baramati. The basic idea is to house here from the simplest to the most sophisticated equipment. Now the University is in the process of to procure sophisticated follower equipment at Ahmednagar Sub-Centre X-Ray diffractometer, Atomic Force Microscope, at Nashik Sub-Centre X-Ray diffractometer, Scanning Electron Microscope with EDS, and at Baramati X-Ray diffractometer, Scanning Electron Microscope with EDS. Savitribai Phule Pune University’s two prestigious projects are the first one is ‘Pune University Network’ for which the University get ‘Silver Medal’ of the Govt. of ‘Maharashtra’s ‘e-Governance Award 2013’ in the category of ‘IT for Environment’ and the second one is Regional Test Centre for Solar Water Heating System of School of Energy Studies, which gets ‘Solar Thermal Award 2013’ of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, New Delhi. Recognized as the University with Potential for

Excellence on 1st December 2011. Ranked as the best in teaching amongst Indian Universities by the Times Higher Education World Universities Rankings in 2016. The University successfully implemented online modules like - Online Eligibility, Online Migration, Online Quality Improvement Programme application, Online Travel Grant applications, Online Scholarship application, Online Affiliation, Students Facilitation Centre, Online Ph.D. admission, for which University successfully conducted Online Ph.D. Paper-1 Entrance Examination on various 58 centres in Pune, Nashik & Ahmednagar districts. In order to improve the academic standard and the quality education of the affiliated colleges and recognized institutes the Savitribai Phule Pune University introduced the ‘Quality Improvement Programme (QIP) Scheme’, in which the University disbursed the grant to the various affiliated colleges/ recognized institutes for the organization of Seminars/Conferences/Workshops at State, National and International level, for the construction of Parking Stand, Students Facilities Centre, Guest House, Ladies and Gents Toilet Blocks and also for ramp for physically handicapped persons. As well as the purchase of office and Laboratory equipment and the sports equipment the University giving the funding to the colleges and institutes. Under the said QIP scheme the University newly introduced new concept of ‘Cluster College,' in which the Seminars/Conferences/Workshops will be organized for students, Teachers, Principals, Administrative Staff, and Management Committees of the Colleges and also for Society or Stake Holders by keeping the centric vision in the different discipline. University also continued the programs with the same vigor such financial assistance to the colleges, Catering Adivasi Students and Earn and Learn Scheme. The University submitted a proposal to the UGC under “University with Potential for Excellence” Programme. Savitribai Phule Pune University has initiated to give special guidance in soft-skill not only to students from the Tribal area but also to all the students of the University. For that purpose, the Savitribai Phule Pune University has already provided seed money to purchase the lingua-phone and audio-video equipment which are required to satisfy the need of the students. As a result of this, we have experienced the tremendous change at students from rural as well as urban colleges concerning the communicative skill and personality development. It is a continuous process, and each college has given the flexibility to organize special guidance camps of soft skill program for maximum students.

The construction and renovation work for staff Quarters, Hostels, and the new projects like Bhasha Bhavan, Convention Centre Buildings for Department of Education, Department of Technology are under process. Automation of various processes in Examination Section is in progress. Bar code system has been successfully implemented for answer sheets of all the examinations. Various certifications requests, application for photo copy, revaluation, transcript degree certificate are made online. Affiliated colleges are also actively engaged in research work, and total 125 patents were filed by various colleges. Several Seminars at State, National, and International level were organized in different affiliated colleges. Colleges are actively engaged in organizing career oriental training programs for the overall development of the students for example soft-skills, personality development, etc. At the same time colleges are also discharging their social responsibilities using organizing the programs like Blood-Donation, Tree Plantation, Cleanliness Drive, Eye-Checking Camps, Road Safety Programme, Anti-ragging, etc.

3.13 Skill Development Centre

Skill Development Centre: Skill Development Centre, Savitribai Phule Pune University is a progressive and Student friendly initiative of University started in March 2014 with a well intended objective to eliminate the disconnect between Academics and the reality in the global job market. Skill Development Centre will create an opportunity culture where students have a chance to excel and are encouraged to realize the vision and long term objectives. These departments will focus on training undergraduate and post graduate students of University in various employable skills to enhance the employability. Paramount importance will be given to training students in employability skills that cater to industry and technological needs. However, Skill Development Centre also realizes the basic truth that being technically good is not adequate, and therefore rigorous training will be given in communication skills, sound values, and professional ethics to enable the student to venture out in confidence and prove his caliber in the competitive workplace

References

1. History of the University of Pune - Prof. Raja Dixit. 2. The Poona University Act, 1948 (Act XX of 1948). 3. The Poona University Act, 1974 (Maharashtra Act No. XXIII of 1974). 4. The Maharashtra Universities Act, 1994 (Maharashtra Act No. XXXV of 1994). 5. The Maharashtra Public Universities Act, 2016 (Maharashtra Act No. VI OF 2017). 6. Annual Reports of SPPU (2011-2016). 7. NAAC Report (2016-17).