Pune: CM Fadnavis Stresses Autonomy for Higher Education Institutions at COEP Event
Pune, 14th September 2025: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday underlined the need to grant autonomy to higher and technical education institutions across the country, stating that such a move would boost research, global collaborations, and the creation of competent human resources.
Fadnavis was speaking at the inauguration of the new library and computer engineering building at COEP University of Technology, held on the occasion of Engineering Day. The event also featured the COEP Abhiman Puraskar ceremony. Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, COEP Vice Chancellor Sunil Bharud, Registrar Dr. Dayaram Sonawane, former director Shailesh Sahastrabudhe, Alumni Association President Bharat Gite, and Secretary Sujit Pardeshi were among those present.
“Autonomy will enable institutions like COEP to forge global partnerships, exchange technology, and carry out collaborative research. This will help create a strong bridge of skilled human resources as Maharashtra moves towards a $3 trillion economy and India towards a $5 trillion economy,” Fadnavis said.
He added that the state government has allocated 28 acres of land in Chikhali for COEP’s expansion and assured government support in the form of funds and infrastructure for advanced research. “COEP is one of the most prestigious institutions in the country with a history of 172 years. In 2028, it will complete 175 years—a unique journey in India’s educational history,” he said, adding that the institution’s alumni continue to contribute significantly across various sectors.
Reflecting on India’s IT revolution, the Chief Minister noted, “In the 1990s, doubts surrounded computerization, but Indian youth went on to dominate Silicon Valley and transform global perceptions of India. Today, artificial intelligence and computing are reshaping the world.
Opportunities in fields like hackathons and AI-based agricultural solutions highlight the promise of emerging technologies.”
He urged technical institutions and engineering colleges to prepare human resources aligned with rapid technological changes, expressing confidence that the new education policy would open avenues by blending modernity with traditional disciplines.
Minister Patil also emphasized the role of the National Education Policy (NEP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in integrating India’s knowledge traditions. “The NEP focuses on research, patents, and royalties, which will play a critical role in building a developed India by 2047,” he said, assuring government support to strengthen institutions like COEP.
COEP Abhiman Puraskar and Jeevan Gaurav Awards
At the event, Chief Minister Fadnavis presented the Jeevan Gaurav Award to former ARDE scientist Vasantha Ramaswamy. The COEP Abhiman Puraskar was conferred on Vilas Javadekar (Founder and President, Vilas Javadekar Developers), Dr. Mahantash Hiremath (Former ASME President), Jayant Inamdar (Managing Director, Strudcom Consultants Pvt. Ltd.), Umesh Wagh (President, JNPA), Tushar Mehendale (Managing Director, Electromech Material Handling Systems Pvt. Ltd.), and Shravan Hardikar (Managing Director, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.).
New Library and Computer Engineering Building Inaugurated
The Chief Minister also inaugurated COEP’s newly constructed library and Computer Engineering Department building.
The Central Library, with a legacy of 150 years, has now been relocated to a modern, purpose-built facility designed for over 4,000 students. It houses rare literature from the past century, preserved reference books, modern digital resources, and collaborative study and research spaces.
The new Computer Engineering Department features state-of-the-art laboratories and infrastructure, aimed at fostering innovation and research in emerging technologies.
