Latest news with #Bhoyar
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Online Class 11 Admissions A Major Game Changer: Pankaj Bhoyar
1 2 A national-level handball player turned academician, Pankaj Bhoyar holds a PhD in econometrics from Nagpur University, a field that applies statistical models to analyse economic data. With a BSc in Mathematics and an MA in Economics, Bhoyar entered politics after years of student leadership and social service, winning his first assembly election in 2019. Bhoyar now handles multiple portfolios, including school education, home (rural), housing, cooperation, and mining. In an exclusive interview with TOI, Bhoyar discusses Maharashtra's upcoming 'CM Shri Schools' project, Class 11 online admissions, rural school upgrades, and the ongoing Shalarth ID scam probe. Q. What steps are being taken to upgrade infra and academic quality in rural schools? A. Very soon Maharashtra will be launching a scheme called 'CM Shri Schools', modelled around 'PM Shri Schools'. We will select one govt school in every taluka for complete infrastructure and academic upgrades. These schools will have smart classrooms, science labs, activity zones, green initiatives, and focus on experiential learning and skill-building. Our aim is that students in rural areas get access to facilities and learning methods at par with urban schools. Q. Maharashtra has shifted to fully online Class 11 admissions this year. What is the impact? A. The online Class 11 admissions have become a major game changer. Now, a student from Bhamragadh can secure admission to a top Mumbai college without ever having to leave the village. It's a major reform. Earlier, Class 11 admissions required students to visit colleges physically or buy costly prospectuses. Now, for a one-time fee of Rs100, students can apply to any college across Maharashtra through a single online portal. Whether from Mumbai or Gadchiroli, everyone gets equal opportunity. This has made the process simple, affordable, and fair. Q. Has transparency improved due to this shift? A. Definitely. For the first time, we have state-wide, real-time data on college capacities, course preferences, and admission trends. The online system has made the entire process merit-based and transparent. Parents from remote areas can see their child's merit rank and feel proud when they secure admissions in top colleges. Q. 300 colleges reportedly got no admission in the first round. Many suspect it could be a scam. A. Since the matter is in the high court, I won't comment too much apart from what I already said in the legislature. It's true that some colleges got zero admission in the first round. After all rounds conclude, we'll analyse the situation and take the necessary steps. Q. What steps are being taken to upskill teachers in govt schools? A. We're focusing on upgrading physical infrastructure and digital resources in rural schools. Teacher training is also critical. Recently, we sent 100 teachers to Singapore for modern training. These then become master trainers for others and that improves the entire ecosystem. We believe that investing in teachers directly benefits students. Q. What's the update on the Shalarth ID scam? A. A state-level SIT will be formed, including senior IAS and IPS officers, to investigate the scam across Maharashtra. Currently, only Nagpur-specific SIT is probing the scam. Once the state-level team begins work, the entire scam will be investigated thoroughly. The govt is serious about taking action wherever wrongdoing is found.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Only 68 words on Shivaji Maharaj in CBSE books, claim Maha MLCs
Nagpur: Maharashtra legislative council members from across partylines on Friday raised concerns over the representation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in CBSE schools' textbooks. They claimed that just 68 words about the Maratha king feature across 2,200 pages of history taught from Classes 1 to 10. The state govt responded, saying the issue has been formally raised with the Union govt and would be resolved. Raising the matter, MLC Satyajeet Tambe said it was "highly condemnable" that Shivaji Maharaj's legacy found such inadequate mention in the NCERT syllabus, which is used by all CBSE-affiliated schools. "We are promoting the NCERT curriculum across Maharashtra, yet across 2,200 pages, only 68 words are about Shivaji Maharaj. This is unacceptable," said Tambe. He added that Shivaji Maharaj's contributions should be taught not just in Maharashtra but across the country. Minister of state for school education Pankaj Bhoyar said the government was serious about the issue and had already flagged the matter to the Union education ministry. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "Our school education minister Dada Bhuse met the Union education minister to discuss this. History books could have been updated earlier too. Our govt has ensured Unesco recognition for 12 forts of Shivaji Maharaj, so we are serious about preserving his legacy," Bhoyar said. MLC Amit Gorkhe demanded a timeline for resolving the issue and sought greater inclusion of Shivaji Maharaj's history in textbooks. MLC Bhavana Gawali also criticised the limited mention of Shivaji Maharaj in history books, saying the state should have pursued the matter more aggressively in Delhi. "We have a pro-Hindutva govt at the Centre; this should have been resolved already," she said. Bhoyar assured the House that Maharashtra's own curriculum being developed on CBSE lines would include maximum focus on the state's historical and geographical aspects. "Since Bhavana Gawaliji has spent five terms as MP in Delhi, I will take her guidance in resolving this issue quickly," Bhoyar said.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Just 68 words' on Shivaji in CBSE texts, state to send team to Centre
Mumbai: The state govt will send a delegation of legislators to the Centre over "inadequate representation" of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the CBSE curriculum and push for a detailed inclusion in textbooks, said junior school education minister Pankaj Bhoyar in the legislative council on Friday. He said the issue will be taken up with ICSE, too. Raising the issue during question hour, MLC Satyajit Tambe said, "There is only one chapter on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the entire CBSE curriculum from classes 1-12, comprising just 68 words on his work, leadership and history." He asked whether the state had approached the Centre to ensure students across the country get inspired by his history. Many MLCs voiced their support. Bhoyar said discussions were earlier held between the Union education minister and the state school education minister, during which an assurance was given that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's history would be included in the CBSE curriculum for classes 7-10. "Subsequently, State Council of Educational Research and Training provided the necessary information to National Council of Educational Research and Training. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 60+ Storey Iconic Towers Now at South Mumbai L&T The Gateway Enquire Now Undo " You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Slamming the delay in getting the textbooks updated, Sena's Bhavana Gawali said, "The story of the legendary Maratha king, renowned for his bravery, military strategies and administrative skills, should feature prominently in the CBSE curriculum." She suggested sending a delegation to the Centre to expedite the update. At this, Bhoyar said: "It is not just CBSE; we will also pursue the matter with ICSE schools. We will certainly take a delegation to Delhi under your (Gawali) leadership as you have been a five-time MP at the Centre."
Indian Express
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Illegal stay of foreign nationals at Nandurbar seminary under probe, passport verification to be tightened
The state government on Wednesday ordered an high-level inquiry into the illegal stay of two Yemeni nationals at a religious educational institute in Nandurbar district and announced stricter protocols for passport address verification across the state. Minister of State for Home (rural) Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar informed the Assembly on Wednesday that a special investigation team, headed by a senior IPS officer, will probe the activities of Jamia Islamia Ishaatul Uloom in Akkalkuwa, after the discovery of foreign nationals residing there without valid documents. 'This is a serious national security concern. A criminal case has been registered, and the institute's management will face strict action,' said Bhoyar, responding to a notice raised by MLA Devendra Kothe. MLAs Rajesh Padvi, Harish Pimpale, and Gopichand Padalkar also participated in the discussion. Bhoyar added that irregularities were also found at As-Salam Hospital, run by the same trust, including illegal occupancy and administrative lapses. The state plans to recommend cancellation of its registration with the medical education department. Initial findings revealed substantial donations from both domestic and foreign sources into the institute's bank accounts. Investigations into alleged land encroachments on tribal land and misuse of scholarship funds are also underway, with the state Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) involved in parallel probes, said the minister. In a related development, Minister of State for Home (urban) Yogesh Kadam said police verification for passport applications will now place greater emphasis on verifying the current residential address, especially for those displaced due to building redevelopment. 'The police will verify the applicant's current place of residence as mentioned in the application. This is essential to confirm identity and check for any pending criminal records or summons,' Kadam told the House, replying to a notice by MLA Manisha Chaudhary. MLAs Amit Satam and Sunil Prabhu raised follow-up queries. The minister clarified that in cases where applicants are temporarily relocated due to redevelopment, addresses mentioned in legal rent agreements would be accepted for verification. He added that the Centre's updated protocols for police verification will be followed, with plans to integrate AI tools and digital passport apps to enhance transparency and ease of the process. 'Awareness will also be created to inform citizens that verification is carried out on the current address, not just the permanent one,' said Kadam.
Hans India
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Illegal stay of foreign nationals in madrasa in Nandurbar: Maha govt orders ATS probe
Mumbai: Minister of State for Home, Pankaj Bhoyar, informed the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Wednesday that the Home Department has started an investigation into the Jamia Islamia Ishaatul Uloom, a religious education institution through the Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) after it was revealed that two Yemeni citizens were illegally residing in its madrasa in Akkalkuwa in Nandurbar district. Chief Minister Fadnavis has instructed the handing over of this matter to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for investigation as the institution's turnover is worth Rs 728 crore. Minister Bhoyar said that the Home Department has also handed over this matter to the Charity Commissioner for investigation, while replying to a Calling Attention Motion moved by member Devendra Kothe. Even after the visas of people from Yemen expired on February 19, 2016, they were staying in the madrasa of the Jamia Islamia Ishaatul Uloom till now. Therefore, Kothe demanded that the recognition of this madrasa be cancelled and alleged that this organisation has seized the lands of tribals and has committed a scholarship scam too. Responding to this, Minister Bhoyar said that two Yemeni citizens were staying in the madrasa even after their visas expired and when the police came to know about this, a case was registered and they were arrested. The founder and president of the organisation were also arrested, but later they were granted bail. The organisation was receiving foreign aid, so the state government has filed a complaint with the Centre. Minister Bhoyar said that the investigation will also be carried out with regard to allegations of grabbing tribal land and committing scholarship scams. 'How did Yemeni citizens get Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, birth certificates, school leaving certificates here?' asked MLA Harish Pimple, demanding that the officials who issued these certificates without verifying the documents be suspended and a case be registered. Responding to this, the minister said that if the officials have done so, after investigating the matter, action will be taken against them. MLA Gopichand Padalkar raised the issue claiming that this institution also has a medical college with a capacity of 60 students, but they do not have patients and bogus admissions are shown. He also raised the question of whether a search drive would be conducted in all the madrasas in Maharashtra to check who lives there? The minister replied that information will be sought from the Medical Education Department regarding the medical college of the Jamia Islamia Ishaatul Uloom.
