Chandrakant Patil clarifies remarks on SPPU, says call was for greater social impact

Pune: Higher and technical education minister Chandrakant Patil on Monday clarified his recent remarks on the contribution of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) were intended to encourage the institution to expand the societal impact of its research and not to question its legacy or achievements.

The clarification, issued on Monday, comes after Patil’s remarks at the inauguration of the School of Science, Department of Mathematics and Research Centre building at DES Pune University triggered criticism and debate in academic circles. During the event, Patil had posed the question: “What is Savitribai Phule Pune University’s contribution to society?”

Patil said in the statement, “Some individuals had misrepresented his remarks and created the impression that he doubted the university’s contribution.” He compared his comments to a parent’s expectations from a child, saying that higher expectations should not be interpreted as criticism but as encouragement to realise one’s full potential.

Patil said he had consistently supported SPPU’s academic and social initiatives during his tenure and had facilitated funding through PM-USHA and CM-USHA schemes while also pushing for faculty recruitment. Emphasising that his remarks were forward-looking, Patil said SPPU possessed immense intellectual capacity and resources and should lead the transition from “research to social application” while contributing more significantly to India’s future development.

Patil described SPPU as one of India’s leading centres of knowledge and said the university had played a significant and proud role in shaping the educational and social landscape of Maharashtra and the country since its establishment. He noted that generations of researchers, professors and students from the university had made notable contributions at the national and international levels.

Referring to a report by NITI Aayog on research and development in state universities, Patil said many traditional universities across India continue to face challenges in producing research of globally recognised standards. He argued that universities must move beyond conventional teaching and focus on research that addresses real-world problems and delivers direct benefits to society. “Research should not remain limited to publishing papers or generating revenue. It should help solve practical challenges faced by society,” Patil said.