The University of Pune (UoP) management council members kicked up a fuss on Thursday. They raised objection over the land to be handed over to the science and technology park (STP) for setting up biotech incubators on the varsity campus.
Under a new grant, the varsity has received Rs36 crore from the Centre for setting up a dedicated biotech incubator on the UoP campus, to help biotechnology research students and scientists set up start-up companies.
However, the incubator is to be developed by STP, a non-profit autonomous institute established under the aegis of the department of science and technology. The facility is to be hosted by the varsity, by giving 5 acres for setting up the incubators on the campus.
Arguing that STP is an independent autonomous institute, the members of management council opposed the handing over of the UoP’s prime property, unless an assurance was received that the varsity would have some control over land and project.
“If UoP hands over land, STP will implement the project. What control will varsity have as STP works independently? Hence, we demanded that first STP make amendment in their constitution and make the UoP officials a part of their governing body, after which land can be handed over so that the varsity is able to have some amount of control. However, we said that we are open to discussion and suggestions,” said a senior member.
About 83 proposals in all were brought before the management council meeting that went on from 11am to 7.30pm on Thursday, including 35 proposals from the senate.
Members also reprimanded the UoP administration for announcing and carrying out online PhD examinations without taking consent of the management council.
“The council wasn’t taken into confidence. Neither was the structure of examination discussed nor if work should be outsourced etc. The members were upset and raised this point,” said another member.
An important subject discussed was to inform all affiliated colleges within eight days that principals/professors appointed between September 1991 and April 3, 2000, were exempt from NET/SET qualification.
Incidentally, this was acting vice chancellor Sanjay Chahande’s first participation in the management council meeting.
