US-based Harvard University has, in principle, agreed to partner with the Maharashtra government to provide training for its elected representatives, bureaucrats, executives and academicians on issues relating to governance and development. This will be the first time Harvard University has agreed to be part of such a venture in Maharashtra.

The university expressed its desire in this regard during its recent interaction with a high-level delegation led by Maharashtra's minister for higher and technical education Rajesh Tope.

Sanjay Kumar, higher and technical education secretary, who was part of the delegation, told Business Standard: “We kept all four proposals for consideration of Harvard University which include training for elected representatives, propelling of a quality research programme in Mumbai University and other universities in Maharashtra, and the university's engagement in the development of a world class traning institute and using its expertise in the resource mobilisation for the education sector.”

With Harvard University giving an “in principle approval” to take part in the project, the government will submit a detailed proposal which will be cleared by the university's board of directors. He said the state government would provide the necessary funds for the same.

Harvard University has also agreed to be associated in a capacity-building exercise for Mumbai University and other institutions in the state. “The objective is to build capacity of the stakeholders in higher education, including vice chancellors and academician administrators,” said Kumar......Read More

Source: Business Standard