NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar alleged Tuesday that increasing influence from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is diminishing the quality of public universities across Maharashtra. Speaking at Vidhan Bhavan in Nagpur, Pawar warned this trend risks students’ futures and could cause India to lag globally in progress.
Allegations of RSS Influence
Pawar claimed many university Vice-Chancellors (VCs) and deans hold backgrounds tied to the RSS or its core ideology. He specifically pointed to Pune University as an example where officers allegedly belong to this background. “The quality that a university should have is not there,” Pawar stated.
Impact on Vulnerable Students
The legislator highlighted that government universities serve primarily students from economically weaker sections. These students often cannot afford admission to private institutions. Pawar argued that a decline in public university quality directly harms these students’ educational and career prospects. “Their future also gets impacted,” Pawar said.
Concerns Over National Progress
Pawar emphasized the broader national implications of this alleged trend. He stated that if this situation continues unchecked, other countries will advance, while India risks falling behind in global progress. This assessment aligns with his concern for the youth’s future prospects in a competitive world.
“Agenda” and Fund Misuse
Pawar asserted a clear “100 percent” agenda behind the alleged influence. He claimed significant government funds, both central and state, are being misused within these institutions. According to Pawar, RSS volunteers are deliberately placed in universities. Their stated role, he alleged, is to advance the RSS or BJP’s specific political agenda among the student body and faculty. “Government funds are being misused,” he stated, cautioning, “The world will go ahead, but we will stay where we are. It will be a loss to the poor.”
Echoes of Opposition Leader
Pawar explicitly supported Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s recent statements on similar issues in Parliament. “What Rahul Gandhi ji is saying is true,” Pawar said. He added, “We also feel that there are so many universities where RSS’s influence is increasing a lot.” This indicates a shared concern among opposition figures regarding university autonomy and academic quality.
Broader Governance Criticisms
Beyond education, Pawar extended his criticism to broader governance. He characterized the central government as “very centralised,” running from only “two or three offices.” In Maharashtra, Pawar alleged that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is solely managing state affairs. Pawar concluded this approach undermines principles of equality and democracy.
Election Campaign Tactics
Pawar also touched upon election strategies in Maharashtra. He noted ruling parties often raise issues like OBC-Maratha reservation during state elections. He predicted upcoming Mumbai civic elections would see discussions centered on “Marathi and non-Marathi, vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.”