Education minister Patil’s ‘What has SPPU done?’ remark triggers debate

Pune: State higher education minister Chandrakant Patil has triggered a debate in academic circles after questioning the innovation and societal impact of research conducted by Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU). Speaking at the inauguration of a new building at DES Pune University’s School of Science and Mathematics on Friday, Patil’s remarks were seen by many as dismissive of public institutions.

“IITs regularly conduct new research. But what has Pune University done? If they have, I am sorry, but what have they done substantially to give society something new?” Patil asked. He asserted that no state university could claim to be conducting truly innovative research.

To address this perceived gap, the minister announced plans to constitute a group of roughly 22 experts, led by veteran scientist Raghunath Mashelkar, to periodically review research output and guide universities. He added that a government resolution (GR) would soon be issued to facilitate this initiative.

Former SPPU vice-chancellor Arun Adsul suggested that if the minister wants better research, he should urge the University Grants Commission (UGC) to reconsider making PhDs and paper publications mandatory for career advancement.

“Such conditions do not necessarily promote meaningful research,” Adsul said. “Research should emerge from curiosity and societal need, not from the compulsion of securing promotions. When academic progression is tied strictly to output, the focus shifts to the quantity of papers rather than quality or utility.”

Former VCs and senior academicians did not take the minister’s comments lightly, particularly as they were made from the stage of a private university.

“It is utterly disappointing that a minister would publicly belittle a university with a 75-year legacy,” said one former VC. “SPPU has produced renowned scientists, administrators, and national leaders. During the COVID-19 pandemic, SPPU developed ventilators, conducted serological surveys, and facilitated mass testing. What more evidence of societal contribution is required?”

Other academicians pointed to the state’s own failures in supporting these institutions. “The govt has not conducted faculty recruitment for over 10 years. SPPU is functioning with barely 142 teachers against 384 sanctioned posts,” one academician noted. They highlighted that most research funding comes from the university’s own corpus or central agencies, with little to no financial support for research from the state.

While many defended the university, some student activists argued that the minister’s criticism should not be ignored entirely.

“The contributions of universities cannot be denied, but there are genuine lacunae in how they operate,” said Kuldeep Ambekar, founder of Student Helping Hands. “There is a need for a forensic audit of state universities to ensure social accountability and transparency.”

Current SPPU vice-vhancellor Suresh Gosavi did not respond to calls or messages for comment.