High-Level Committee to Probe Irregularities at Almuri Ratnamala Institute of Engineering and Technology – Minister Chandrakant (Dada) Patil

Mumbai, February 2026 : Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant (Dada) Patil informed the Legislative Council that a high-level committee will be constituted to investigate alleged irregularities at Almuri Ratnamala Institute of Engineering and Technology, Sapgaon (Taluka Shahapur, Thane district).

MLC Manisha Kayande raised the issue in the Legislative Council, while member Dnyaneshwar Mhatre participated in the discussion.

Minister Patil clarified that as the institute is unaided, an administrator cannot be appointed. However, complaints regarding fees from a former student, along with grievances raised by social activists, political parties, organisations, and former employees of the institute, will be thoroughly examined by the committee, which will submit its report within three months.

As the institute is affiliated to University of Mumbai, the university has also appointed a three-tier committee to verify complaints received from employees. The inquiry by this committee is currently underway.

Further Action on Career Advancement Scheme Only After Final Court Verdict – Minister Chandrakant (Dada) Patil
Minister Chandrakant (Dada) Patil stated during Question Hour in the Legislative Council that the government is positive about the demands related to the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) for professors, but further action will be taken only after the final decision of the court.

The question was raised by MLC Jayant Asgaonkar, with supplementary questions from Vikram Kale, Shashikant Shinde, and Anil Parab.

The minister explained that for non-agricultural universities and affiliated colleges, the government had taken a decision as per the May 10, 2019 government clarification, thereby rejecting the concerned committee’s recommendation. Professors receive salary increments under CAS after fulfilling prescribed academic qualifications, as there is no provision for direct promotion.

Following the Seventh Pay Commission, the University Grants Commission decided on July 18, 2018, that benefits should be granted from the date of eligibility. However, the Finance Department opined that benefits should be applicable from the date of the final decision after the selection committee interview. Due to these differing views, the matter is currently sub judice.

Thorough Inquiry into Alleged Irregularities at Pune Agricultural Produce Market Committee – Minister Jaykumar Rawal
Marketing Minister Jaykumar Rawal said that a detailed inquiry has been initiated into alleged irregularities at the Pune Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), following complaints and representations received. The Director of Marketing has appointed the Divisional Joint Registrar of Cooperative Societies as the inquiry officer, and the deadline for submitting the report has been extended to February 28, 2026.

The issue was raised by MLC Amit Gorkhe, with supplementary questions from Sadabhau Khot, Vikram Kale, and Satej Patil.

Minister Rawal said unauthorised stalls have been shut down and penal action against illegal constructions is underway. Notices have been issued for removal of such structures. He added that security services and other works awarded without public tenders have been suspended or cancelled, and all future works will be carried out strictly through the tendering process. He also noted that steps are being taken to introduce digital trading through the e-NAM system across market committees in phases.

CCTV Installation in Schools Being Taken Up on Priority – Minister of State for School Education Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar
Minister of State for School Education Pankaj Bhoyar informed the Legislative Council that, in line with High Court directions, CCTV installation in schools is being prioritised to ensure transparency and discipline during Class 10 and 12 examination processes. CCTV cameras have been installed in 17,000 aided schools, and the remaining 4,000 schools will be covered soon.

The question was raised by MLC Sudhakar Adbale, with participation from members Shashikant Shinde, Abhyankar, and Bhai Jagtap.

Dr. Bhoyar added that out of nearly 65,000 government and local body schools, CCTV cameras have been installed in about 18,000 schools using five per cent of District Planning Committee funds, which are also used for compound walls and classroom repairs. He said funds from the separate Hill Area Development Fund will also be utilised for schools in hilly regions, and a separate budget proposal will be prepared to cover remaining schools.

Meeting with Teacher-MLAs to Decide on Non-Academic Duties Assigned to Teachers – Minister Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar
Minister of State for School Education Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar said that, in view of the increasing burden of non-academic duties on teachers, a meeting will be held with all teacher-MLAs to take a decision so that teaching is not adversely affected.

The issue was raised by MLC Vikram Kale, with supplementary questions from Pravin Darekar, Abhijit Vanjari, Dnyaneshwar Mhatre, and Kiran Sarnayak.

Dr. Bhoyar said that as per the Government Resolution dated August 23, 2024, teachers’ duties have been classified into academic, non-academic, and mandatory tasks under the RTE Act. Only essential duties such as decennial census, disaster management, and elections to local bodies, state legislature, and Parliament will be assigned to teachers. Other non-academic tasks will not be imposed. He added that systems such as SARAL and UDISE have been integrated, and the number of school-level committees has been reduced to ensure teachers get more time for classroom teaching and students do not suffer any academic loss.