Maharashtra govt would accord top priority to education: Prithviraj Chavan

The new Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan today said his government would accord top priority to education in the state.

Chavan who addressed a conference of vice-chancellors in Pune, in his first public engagement after taking over reins of the state said, "My presence here, which could delay the process of cabinet formation by a few hours, is to demonstrate that education is a top priority for the state."

Chavan, who spoke as the chief guest at the annual general meeting of Association of Indian Universities (AIU) at Bharati Vidyapeeth said, "With my alliance partner (NCP), we will give top priority to education as also to health and agriculture to ensure that Maharashtra becomes a leading state in every single parameter."

The chief minister described Pune as the "Oxford of the east" but stressed the importance of equity in the educational sphere saying "not all is well in the education system" and laws were needed to check unfair educational practises with reforms.

"We have islands of excellence -- Mumbai and Pune --in Maharashtra but in Melghat area we have problem a of malnutrition," he said.

Chavan also emphasised on quality of education saying every degree holder should be in a position to get a job.

"We have to look at China and endeavour to enhance our world ranking in education," Chavan said.