Nagpur: Nagpur University (NU) is set to initiate steps towards establishing a residential coaching centre for aspirants preparing for Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) examinations. Senior university officials informed the Senate on Wednesday that efforts would be made to take the long-pending proposal forward.As an interim measure, the university plans to provide accommodation to outstation students at Vidyarthi Bhavan. Officials said rooms currently reserved for participants in university-level sports competitions could be allotted to competitive-exam aspirants during periods when they remain vacant.The issue was raised during the Senate meeting in connection with a demand earlier put forward by late Senate member Dinesh Sheram. The proposal for a residential training centre has been pending for years, largely due to financial constraints.According to university officials, Vidyarthi Bhavan has four bedrooms designated for players. Since these rooms are not occupied throughout the year, these can be used temporarily to accommodate students coming from outside Nagpur for UPSC and MPSC preparation.NU has a history of conducting competitive-examination coaching programmes. Between 1993 and 2008, it provided UPSC training through Union govt’s Department of Social Justice. Later, under a University Grants Commission (UGC) scheme, the university offered coaching for UPSC, MPSC and banking examinations until the 2018-19 academic year.Over the years, specialised institutions such as Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Research and Training Institute (BARTI) and Tribal Research and Training Institute (TRTI) began providing training for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students, respectively. However, the lack of hostel facilities for aspirants from outside Nagpur continued to fuel demands for a dedicated residential coaching centre.Alongside plans to launch the training centre, the university has started exploring funding avenues. Officials said a proposal is being prepared to seek financial assistance from autonomous govt bodies such as BARTI and TRTI, as well as from Governor’s office.University authorities said Governor’s secretary, during a recent visit to Nagpur, had visited the university and expressed a positive view on the proposal to establish a residential competitive-examination training centre. The administration hopes this support will help the project move forward.
