At varsity,Marathi diploma courses remain on paper

The Marathi department of the University of Pune (UoP) had suggested the introduction of a few short term diploma courses almost one-and-a half-years ago. However,even after getting a nod from the academic council,the courses have failed to commence. The department says this has happened because the university has formed a committee to review the working of the existing diploma courses in the university and the courses cannot commence till the committee submits its report. The department had planned to start four new diploma courses,administrative Marathi language,Marathi for non-Marathis,publication or technical writing and a course on scriptwriting. All the proposed courses were of six month duration.

“There are many in the city who have come from different parts of India and who want to learn the language and want to know about the Maharashtrian culture. However,the course has not yet been commenced because the UoP has formed this panel of professors who are looking into the working of all the existing diploma courses. The committee has professors like Suhas Palshikar and Manohar Jadhav on it. The aim of the committee is to look how many students are signing up for these courses and if any of these courses are redundant,” said an official from the Marathi department.

However,Wasudev Gade,director,Board of College and University Development,said,“Since the academic council has already given its nod for the courses,the committee will have no say in the commencement of these courses. The department can start its enrolment.”