India, Feb. 7 -- Savitribai Phule Pune University's (SPPU) last week decision to award two academic credits to students volunteering during the Nashik Kumbh Mela, beginning from October 31 this year, has triggered criticism from student groups and social organisations who have termed the move as a "dangerous mix of education and religion" and an attempt to compensate for administrative manpower shortage through students' academic scores.

As per the decision approved by the SPPU academic council in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 guidelines, students participating as volunteers during the 2026-27 Nashik Kumbh Mela would receive two academic credits for social work.

SPPU pro-vice-chanceller Parag Kalkar said that studen...