In a landmark move to enhance educational opportunities for tribal communities, Maharashtra is set to open its first university exclusively catering to tribal students. Planned for the Nashik district, the initiative is backed by a detailed roadmap developed by the state’s higher and technical education department. The proposal was recently presented to Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil during a departmental meeting.
India currently has only two operational tribal universities: the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University in Madhya Pradesh and the Central Tribal University in Andhra Pradesh. Odisha’s Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences also functions as a tribal university but admits both tribal and non-tribal students due to limited demand from tribal applicants. Maharashtra’s dedicated tribal university aims to bridge this gap by exclusively focusing on the needs of tribal students and creating a space for their academic and cultural growth.
The proposed university will require approximately 35,000 square meters of land and an estimated budget of over ₹240 crore for infrastructure development, campus construction, and operational expenses. The institution will employ 160 staff members, including teaching and non-teaching personnel. It is expected to offer a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and research opportunities. In addition to its inclusive academic offerings, the university will house departments in diverse fields, such as engineering, environmental sciences, information technology, ayurvedic sciences, public health, pharmacy, and agricultural sciences. Other key areas of focus will include tribal studies, gender studies, cultural heritage, history, tribal languages, performing arts, and fine arts.
“The university is envisioned as a center for excellence in tribal education and research. It will not only foster academic growth but also create avenues for economic development within the tribal community,” said a senior official from the higher and technical education department. Plans for the university are currently in the preliminary stages. A special committee is assessing the feasibility of the project, including land allocation and infrastructure requirements. Based on the committee’s findings, the roadmap will be refined to ensure that the project meets the needs of its intended beneficiaries.
This initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in uplifting Maharashtra’s tribal communities, providing them with access to high-quality education and research opportunities tailored to their unique cultural and social contexts. By doing so, the state aims to empower tribal students and create a sustainable platform for their academic and economic progress.
Share
Tweet
