Maharashtra Launches NariDrishti to Empower Women in Academic Leadership

The Maharashtra State Faculty Development Academy (MSFDA) has launched NariDrishti, a leadership programme designed for women faculty members. Announced on Monday, the initiative aims to boost female representation in academic administration and decision-making roles across the state’s higher education sector.

Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil unveiled the programme brochure at Mantralaya. The event included Additional Chief Secretary B. Venugopal Reddy, MSFDA Executive Director Dr. Shailendra Deolankar, and other senior officials.

The five-day residential programme will run from June 15 to 19 at the MSFDA campus in Pune. It forms part of Maharashtra’s efforts to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) and improve institutional leadership. *NariDrishti* will feature mentorship from experts like Dr. Bhushan Patwardhan, Prof. Shashikala Wanjari, and Col. Prof. Hemlata K. Bagla. Participants will develop skills in academic administration, project-based learning, and AI integration. Additional training will cover outcome-based education to strengthen teaching quality and innovation.

The initiative seeks to prepare women academicians for leadership positions in universities and colleges. By building confidence and expertise, the programme supports broader goals of academic excellence and gender equity in Maharashtra’s education system.