Vinod Mohitkar appointed first pro-vice chancellor of BATU University

Vinod Mahadeorao Mohitkar has been appointed the first pro-vice chancellor of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University (BATU), Lonere. Mohitkar, former director of technical education in Maharashtra, will assume charge on October 12, 2026.

The pro-vice chancellor post at Maharashtra’s BATU university was introduced this year through an amendment to DBTU Act 2014.

Mohitkar’s appointment was made by the university's executive council, in consultation with the vice-chancellor, under section 14A of the Act, according to an official notice.

The development comes amid the complaints against the BATU University over delays in conducting examinations, announcing results, and errors in mark sheets, besides other administrative issues.

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Rajanish Kamat, vice-chancellor (in-charge), said: “This University, which bears the name of Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, is the backbone of technical education in Maharashtra. Dr. Mohitkar's long experience in State-level technical education administration, his deep understanding of examination and affiliation systems, and his strong links with industry will greatly benefit the University in its pursuit of academic quality, timely results, and research and innovation. On behalf of the University family, I extend a warm welcome to him.”

In September 2026, Maharashtra’s higher and technical education minister Chandrakant Dada Patil said that the government was taking measures to ensure timely declaration of students’ exam results, preventing any further academic loss at BATU University Lonere.

Mohitkar is a former director of technical education, Maharashtra. He has more than twenty-five years of administrative and academic experience in technical education.

He has also served as assistant director and deputy director in the directorate of technical education, as secretary and director of the Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education, and as director of Technical Education for the state.

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Vinod Mohitkar's academic background

“He played a key role in implementing NEP 2020 and the National Credit Framework in the State's autonomous engineering and diploma institutions. His record includes implementing the Rs 162.5 crore TEQIP programme as State Project Coordinator, an MoU with IIT Bombay to mentor 15 institutions, and Centres of Excellence in 3-D printing, robotics and automation at Government Polytechnics,” the official notice read.

He has a civil engineering degree from VNIT Nagpur, and holds an ME (first rank) from MS University, Baroda, and a PhD in Engineering and Technology from Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University.

Mohitkar said: “The creation of the office of Pro-Vice-Chancellor through the amendment of the University Act will add new strength to the University's academic administration. Under the Vice-Chancellor's guidance, my priorities will be strict adherence to the academic calendar, timely examinations and results, effective implementation of the National Education Policy, quality enhancement in our affiliated colleges, and strong partnerships with industry and research institutions.”

He has served on the boards of governors of COEP Technological University, VNIT Nagpur, IIIT Pune and Nagpur and NITTTR Chennai, and as a member of DBATU's own executive council.