Mumbai: Campus elections are likely to be held across state universities and colleges in Jan, said govt sources.At a meeting chaired by state higher and technical education minister Chandrakant Patil on Wednesday, the committee to look into the guidelines was directed to assess possible methods and procedures for conducting student elections and submit a final report soon and work on modalities after Diwali. If the govt goes ahead with its plans, the state will witness student union elections after a gap of 33 years.An amendment to the Maharashtra Public Universities Act, likely to be proposed in the Winter session of the assembly, is expected to facilitate campus elections without the involvement of political parties, while ensuring expenditure limits and without discrimination based on caste, religion or other social identities.“Student movements are gathering momentum across the country, and campus elections are likely to provide them a platform soon. The govt is positive about taking the step,” said an official.In a meeting with vice-chancellors from public universities and department officials, the minister reiterated the state’s stand on not collecting examination fees from students in drought-affected areas. Patil said that strict action will be taken against universities and colleges if they violate the directive. The meeting focused on providing financial relief to students affected by drought conditions. Patil clarified that the fee waiver applies to engineering colleges, arts colleges and other institutions under the department.The meeting also discussed measures to prevent question paper leaks, improve transparency in examinations and bring greater uniformity to result declaration procedures. From the academic year 2027-28, the state plans to introduce a uniform academic calendar across public universities. Universities have also been directed to make degree certificates available on DigiLocker immediately after results are declared. The govt plans to develop a uniform policy for re-examinations and ATKT rules in universities across the state.Patil will also visit universities between Dec 15 and Jan 15 to review academic and administrative functioning and stay in hostels to assess facilities, including accommodation, food, cleanliness and drinking water. He will also interact with students to understand their concerns.
