Dr Shahid Akhtar Leads Strategic Dialogue On Minority Education In Pune

In a bid to reinforce educational rights and institutional effectiveness, Professor (Dr) Shahid Akhtar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI), chaired a high-level review meeting in Pune on 30 June 2025.

The session took place at the VIP Circuit House conference room and brought together leading education and administrative stakeholders.

The meeting also saw the participation of the District Development Commissioner (DDC), District Education Officers (Primary and Secondary), senior district officials, representatives of minority-run educational institutions, and community leaders from various religious minority groups.

The agenda was centred on reviewing the current landscape of minority education and ensuring the efficient implementation of constitutional and policy safeguards.

Upholding constitutional rights

Dr Akhtar reaffirmed the importance of Article 30(1) of the Indian Constitution, which grants minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.

He urged all officials and stakeholders to actively uphold and protect these rights, noting that these provisions form a cornerstone of India’s commitment to pluralism and inclusion.

In alignment with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Dr Akhtar encouraged minority institutions to adopt transformative practices such as multilingual education, skill development, digital inclusion, and holistic student growth.

He emphasised that implementing such reforms would ensure equitable access to quality education and greater societal integration.

To build awareness among educators, administrators, and community members, Dr Akhtar recommended the regular organisation of seminars and workshops focused on minority rights and constitutional protections.

Actionable outcomes and local engagement

Recognising the challenges faced by minority institutions, Dr Akhtar further called for sustained dialogue and timely resolutions through the establishment of monthly review meetings at the district level involving minority educational representatives.

Additionally, he advised organising awareness camps at the block level to disseminate information about government welfare schemes, thereby enhancing accessibility and community outreach.

The session concluded with an interactive discussion during which institutional heads and community representatives highlighted various concerns.

Dr Akhtar assured them of the Commission’s commitment to addressing these issues in a time-bound and impartial manner.

This strategic meeting marked a significant step toward reinforcing the educational ecosystem for minorities in Pune.

By aligning with constitutional provisions and the vision of NEP 2020, the initiative aims to promote inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education across minority communities.

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