Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. MUMBAI: In a significant boost to skill-based higher education in Maharashtra, FUEL SkillTech & Entrepreneurship University has been officially gazetted by the Government of Maharashtra under the Maharashtra Private Skills Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026.
The Bill enabling this recognition was introduced in the Maharashtra Legislative Council on 24th March, 2026, and published under Rule 113 of the Maharashtra Legislative Council Rules, marking a key legislative step toward expanding industry-aligned education in the state.
As outlined in the Statement of Objects and Reasons of the Act, the legislation aims to establish and regulate self-financed private skills universities to accelerate skill development and employability across Maharashtra. Under Section 6, universities are approved following due diligence and verification by a designated committee.
Following this process, the Government confirmed that FUEL (Friends Union for Energising Lives) , the sponsoring body, has fully complied with statutory requirements. Consequently, FUEL SkillTech & Entrepreneurship University, Pune, has been formally included in the Schedule of the Act, granting it official university status.
The Government Gazette issued in March 2026 confirms the inclusion, marking a major milestone in FUEL’s journey to build a future-ready, skills-first education network.
Dr Ketan Deshpande Founder & CEO of FUEL (Friends Union for Energising Lives states,"Padma Bhushan Dr. Yusuf Hamied’s adoption of the School of Science at Cipla sets a powerful precedent. We invite Corporate India to partner with us in building the school within the university and empowering first-generation leaders to become future leaders".
With this development, FUEL SkillTech & Entrepreneurship University is set to play a key role in addressing India’s skill gap by offering programs aligned with evolving industry demands, fostering innovation, and promoting entrepreneurship.
About FUEL SkillTech & Entrepreneurship University
FUEL SkillTech & Entrepreneurship University focuses on integrating skill development, academic learning, and entrepreneurship. Backed by its sponsoring body, FUEL (Friends Union for Energising Lives), the institution aims to create a new-age workforce equipped for global opportunities.
ABOUT FUEL
FUEL (Friends Union for Energising Lives) is a national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to empowering underserved youth through education, employability, and entrepreneurship, with a strong focus on STEM learning, future skills, and scholarship programs.
Recognised as a ‘Champion of Change’ by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, FUEL has built a strong track record of delivering large-scale, measurable social impact.
Impact Highlights:
- 1 million+ youth mentored through career guidance
- 2,93,768 students trained in future-ready skills
- 2,907 scholarships awarded to children of farmers and soldiers
- 78+ CSR partnerships with organizations including LTI Mindtree, bp India, Standard Chartered Bank, and Fujitsu
- USD 24 million+ mobilized towards social impact initiatives
FUEL continues to work across India, especially in rural and aspirational regions, creating sustainable pathways from education to employment for first-generation learners.