3 min readPuneJun 6, 2026 09:48 PM IST
First published on: Jun 6, 2026 at 09:48 PM IST
Maharashtra Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil on June 5 blasted the quality of research and social contributions of state public universities like the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU). The fact that these remarks were made at a private university — at the inauguration function of the Science and Mathematics Building and Research Centre at DES Pune University — has raised eyebrows.
Patil said, “Not a single university of Maharashtra claims that they have done any unique (research). IIT does it, new research everyday, something new is given to the society everyday. But what has Pune University (SPPU) given? If there is then I am very sorry. But is there something substantial that it has given to society?”
Patil also expressed his view that research must help society. He said that Tata’s development of the Nano car and Poonawala group’s vaccine research are examples of innovations that helped society progress. Patil stressed the point that no public university in the state could be said to be doing the same.
A professor and head of department at SPPU told The Indian Express that these remarks had generated animated discussions amongst faculty members at the university. The professor said, “Some opined that we need to take the criticism in a constructive fashion and put together an exhibition or report showcasing the contribution of each department. Perhaps invite the minister to have a look at it. Others said that the different audits that the ministry keeps asking for, indicate that SPPU has made significant contributions to the quantum of knowledge. So the minister indeed has the knowledge of the contribution of SPPU and yet is choosing to ignore the data.”
“Faculty members also said that talking in a function on the premises of a private university and criticising a public university is improper and utterly unacceptable. Ministers should rather review the policies of their own government so that they realise who is responsible for the problems faced by the heavily underfunded and understaffed state universities. By and large, faculty members are feeling insulted,” the professor added.
With scientist Raghunath Mashelkar also on stage, Patil suggested the formation of a group of eminent sciences in the city who would meet regularly to discuss and brainstorm scientific research and findings.
Chandrakant Patil also expressed his view that research must help society 
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