The college teachers, professors in university departments and heads of educational institutes on Wednesday unanimously resolved to demand a stay on the state government's decision to make changes in Maharashtra University Act that says one has to be a PhD degree holder or a president or secretary of an educational institute for 10 years to become a member of any executive body of any state university.

The resolution was passed in a seminar organised by Vidyapeeth Vikas Manch (VVM) attended by around 100 representatives from across the state.

The change in norms for being a member of any executive body of varsity has come with a decision by the state cabinet recently. The representatives claimed that it was not in tune with the democratic process.

Senior senate member Nandkumar Nikam said if the norms are introduced many deserving candidates will not be able to make it to the executive bodies.

"The board of studies cannot come into existence if the PhD criterion is implemented," he said. Dhananjay Kulkarni, convenor of VVM said that the Chancellor should not issue notification on the state government's decision. He said the VVM would take a delegation to the Chancellor in next two days to discuss the issue.

The delegation includes Kulkarni, Gautam Bengale, Gajanan Ekbote, N C Joshi, Nikam and Rajesh Pande of VVM.

Kulkarni said, "The decision will create monopoly of some sections. It is improper to take such one-way decision. There is every right to every section of higher education to represent themselves in the various executive bodies.

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