Bureaucrat or Brand Ambassador?
• Public Office, Private Agenda
• From Director to Propagandist
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
Contact: +91 9322755098
The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team (SIT) uncovers troubling allegations against the Director of Higher Education, Pune, Dr. Shailendra Deolankar. Accused of neglecting official duties in favor of political publicity, Deolankar faces criticism for biased actions, shielding officers, and undermining accountability—raising serious concerns about the politicization of Maharashtra’s higher education administration.
The Director of Higher Education, Pune, holds a vital administrative post, responsible for safeguarding academic integrity and ensuring the smooth functioning of colleges and universities across Maharashtra. However, troubling developments involving Dr. Shailendra Deolankar, the current Director, have raised red flags over his impartiality and priorities in public office.
Recent inputs examined by the Sprouts News Special Investigation Team (SIT) suggest that instead of focusing on long-standing complaints and administrative obligations, Dr. Deolankar appears increasingly invested in publicity campaigns and political image-building. This shift has provoked concerns within academic circles and among civil society stakeholders.
Director Prioritizes Publicity Over Pending Grievances
While government outreach is a legitimate function, critics argue that Dr. Deolankar has blurred the lines between official communication and partisan propaganda. His frequent media engagements and promotional appearances seem to come at the cost of core responsibilities—many of which remain unresolved.
Reliable reports accessed by Sprouts SIT indicate a significant backlog of unresolved grievances sitting idle in the department. This has led many to question whether a government official with such visible political alignment should occupy a role that demands strict neutrality, administrative diligence, and public accountability.
Allegations of Protectionism and Bias in Departmental Action
One of the most glaring concerns is Dr. Deolankar’s alleged inaction in the case of Suhas Bhagat, a junior clerk at K.M. Agrawal College. Despite formal complaints lodged against Bhagat, no meaningful action has been taken. Whistleblowers within the department suggest this may be an effort to shield an official who could implicate someone close to Dr. Deolankar.
Even more troubling is that the Joint Director, Panvel Region, has withheld the salary of Mr. Ashok Mishra, another junior clerk at K.M. Agrawal College, Kalyan (W), after verifying all the legal documents. However, no legal or disciplinary action has been taken against the Principal for fabricating documents and giving false information to government officials. This inconsistent enforcement of rules raises serious doubts about the integrity and fairness of departmental operations under Dr. Deolankar.
Such differential treatment sends a disturbing message: subordinates may be punished selectively, while those with institutional power or political backing enjoy impunity. For an office tasked with defending justice and transparency in education, such conduct undermines its legitimacy.
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Director’s Office Accused of Becoming a Government PR Arm
The Directorate of Higher Education is constitutionally mandated to function as an independent and impartial body, resolving educational disputes and promoting academic excellence. However, when the office starts operating as a government publicity unit, its foundational credibility is at risk.
By allegedly protecting specific officers and prioritizing public relations, Dr. Shailendra Deolankar has become emblematic of what critics call the “bureaucrat as propagandist.” This shift not only corrodes the professional fabric of the institution but also sows distrust among stakeholders—from educators to students and parents.
The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team (SIT) has uncovered patterns of neglect, misuse of position, and political favoritism that require urgent administrative review. These findings are not just bureaucratic failings—they strike at the very soul of Maharashtra’s higher education ecosystem.
Time for Accountability and Reform
The legitimacy of any public office lies in its ability to serve without fear, favor, or political compulsion. Dr. Deolankar must confront the allegations with full transparency, restore focus on public service, and ensure his department becomes a beacon of justice rather than a megaphone for political propaganda.
As calls grow louder for systemic reforms, the Sprouts SIT urges Maharashtra’s education authorities to evaluate whether Dr. Deolankar is fit to continue in this critical role. A propaganda-driven administration is the last thing students and educators need in an era demanding academic integrity and policy fairness.
