A delegation of the Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO), Maharashtra North, met Ramtek MP Shyamkumar Barve on Thursday and urged him to support the establishment of a multidisciplinary Central University in the Vidarbha region.
Led by Taiseer Zaid, the delegation submitted a memorandum highlighting what it described as a long-standing imbalance in higher education opportunities in Vidarbha despite its large student population and growing academic needs.
SIO says Vidarbha lacks a multidisciplinary Central University
During the meeting, the SIO delegation said that while the Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya in Wardha is an important Central University, its primary focus is on Hindi language and literature. They argued that the region still lacks a full-fledged multidisciplinary Central University offering courses in science, engineering, medicine, law, social sciences, management, humanities, agriculture, innovation and emerging technologies.
The organisation said such a university would strengthen the region’s higher education system, promote research, encourage innovation and startups, create employment opportunities, and reduce the need for students to move to other states or metropolitan cities for quality education.
“The establishment of a multidisciplinary Central University in Vidarbha is not merely an educational necessity but a crucial step towards ensuring balanced regional development and expanding opportunities for future generations,” the memorandum stated.
The delegation also said the proposed institution would align with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by promoting multidisciplinary education, research excellence and regional development.
Nagpur proposed as ideal location
SIO Maharashtra North argued that Nagpur would be an ideal location for the proposed university because of its central geographical position, strong rail, road and air connectivity, and its status as an educational hub in eastern Maharashtra.
According to the delegation, the university would serve students from all 11 districts of Vidarbha as well as neighbouring regions in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Telangana.
Examination reforms also discussed
Apart from the demand for a Central University, the delegation also submitted recommendations on examination reforms aimed at improving transparency, fairness and accountability in the higher education examination system.
Responding to the memorandum, MP Shyamkumar Barve assured the delegation that he would consider the proposal and extend support in raising the issue at the appropriate forum.
“He patiently heard our concerns and assured us that the matter would be given due consideration and that he would support raising this important issue at the appropriate forum,” the SIO delegation said after the meeting.
SIO to continue campaign
SIO Maharashtra North said it would continue engaging with elected representatives, academic institutions, civil society organisations and the student community to push for the establishment of a multidisciplinary Central University in Vidarbha. The organisation maintained that the move would help address regional disparities in higher education and provide greater opportunities for students across central India.
