The director of Mumbai University's Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), Shivaji Sargar, has ignited a controversy by conducting a Satyanarayan puja and havan in his office on the Kalina campus last week. This has raised questions about administrative priorities while student grievances remain unresolved.
Activists Criticize Director
Activists from the Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena (MNVS), led by Amit Thackeray, have criticized Sargar for allegedly neglecting students' issues while engaging in religious rituals. Nitin Nanaware from MNVS highlighted continuous and serious administrative lapses at CDOE. He pointed out that the results of MCom Semester III (Accounts – NEP) were declared on June 11, and ATKT exam form submissions with late fees began the very next day, leaving students with no time. Additionally, a paper leak occurred at the centre this year. Nanaware noted that the puja was not even officially organized by the staff or the union.
University's Response
A university spokesperson stated that the puja was a voluntary goodwill gathering to mark the beginning of the academic year, emphasizing that the centre functioned normally and the focus remains on serving students.
