Maharashtra govt forms committee to review minority status process for educational institutions

The Maharashtra government has planned to formulate a committee to reform and inspect the process of granting minority status certificates to minority educational institutions. The committee will be formed under the chairmanship of secretary, principal secretary or additional chief secretary, minority development department.

According to an official notification, a committee was formed earlier under the chairmanship of additional chief secretary (Higher and Technical education department) to inquire into the complaints received by the government regarding the minority status certificates issued to minority educational institutions.

The committee then submitted its report on May 13, 2026, making recommendations regarding the inspection of minority status certificates issued after January 28, 2026 and before Jan 28, and for comprehensive improvement, as per the notice.

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Maharashtra govt to investigate SNDT Women's University complaint

“To make comprehensive reforms and inspection in the process of granting minority status certificate to minority educational institutions, the following committee is being constituted under the chairmanship of Hon'ble Secretary/Principal Secretary/Additional Chief Secretary, Minority Development Department," the notice read.

Moreover, the government has also decided to investigate the complaint of various matters related to the university made by Pournima Mehta, member of the management council of SNDT Women's University.

While, Amol Mutyal, deputy secretary, Higher and Technical Education Department, Mantralaya has been appointed as the "Inquiry Officer" to investigate the SNDT Women’s University complaint.

The notice further stated that the inquiry officer should have to submit his report with recommendations to the government within two months.

“The Divisional Joint Director, Higher Education, Mumbai will be responsible for providing the necessary staff, stationery and other incidental matters to the Inquiry Officer for the work of the inquiry,” the notice read.

In addition, the registrar of the SNDT Women's University, Mumbai will have to provide all necessary documents to the inquiry officer in connection with the complaint.