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The Maharashtra government is taking a positive stance on various pending demands of professors and staff in the state’s social work colleges, said Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil in the Legislative Council on Thursday.

Legislative Council member Abhijit Wanjari had raised a question regarding issues faced by faculty and non-teaching staff after social work colleges were transferred from the Social Welfare Department to the Higher Education Department in 2024.

Previously, these colleges were managed under the Social Welfare Department for many years.

Patil informed the House that multiple meetings have been held on the matter and decisions are being taken step by step to address these concerns.

Key measures

– Professors in social work colleges will now receive benefits under the government’s cash scheme.

– Teaching and non-teaching staff have been covered under the medical reimbursement scheme.

– Implementation of the assured progress scheme has started.

– Issues regarding encashment of earned leave will be resolved soon.

– The current retirement age of 60 for professors may be increased to 62; a proposal has been sent to the Finance Department.

– Social work colleges will follow the same salary and grant rules as arts, science, and commerce colleges.

Recruitment and staffing

The government has begun the process of finalising new organisational structures based on student numbers. Once the universities verify student strength, posts will be redistributed as needed.

Colleges will complete the roster and request NOCs to proceed with recruitment.

Patil said the government aims to complete professor recruitment by June 2026.