Prayagraj: Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel said on Wednesday that even educated people are still divided on caste lines, which is a matter of concern. She said universities should not just give degrees, but should make students responsible citizens and help find practical solutions to social problems.Speaking at the Purvanchal Startup Samvad-2026 held at Prof Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya) University, she said state universities play a key role as most students study in them.Patel said universities must guide students from the time they enter an institution and help them overcome social divisions. “It is worrying that even literate and educated people in society are divided on the basis of caste. Universities have a responsibility to help students rise above such divisions and develop a sense of social equality.”She also emphasised the importance of creating a healthy work culture on university campuses. There should be no disruption in academic activities, she said, asking university authorities to listen to students’ problems and work towards solutions rather than allowing grievances to remain unresolved.Referring to examinations, Patel said students and parents should be shown evaluated answer scripts so that the assessment process remains transparent. If serious discrepancies are found on the part of an examiner, action should be taken, including a monetary penalty and withholding a month’s salary, she suggested. She also termed asking questions outside the prescribed syllabus unlawful and objected to a question paper being framed by the use of AI.Governor urged universities to encourage students to learn through experimentation and accept failure as part of the process of achieving success. “Failure is key to success,” she said. Students should not take their capabilities, education or knowledge for granted and should constantly work to improve themselves.Patel also stressed the need to focus on practical problem-solving rather than waiting for large infrastructure or extensive resources. Universities should begin with small programmes, start with a two-credit course, she said, and gradually expand successful initiatives. She encouraged institutions to make use of govt schemes, including education loans, to help students pursue opportunities.
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