Thursday, Jun 25, 2009
It will give a fillip to postgraduate studies, research: Ponmudy

Chennai: The State government on Wednesday announced the creation of a separate Unitary University, comprising four constituent colleges of Anna University, which would function from the current academic year.

The constituent colleges are the College of Engineering, Guindy; Alagappa College of Technology; Madras Institute of Technology, Chromepet; and the School of Architecture and Planning. Replying to the debate on the demand for grants for his department, Higher Education Minister K. Ponmudy said that since professors of the university were increasingly occupied with functions such as admissions, examinations and monitoring of infrastructure in 136 affiliated colleges, they had little time for research.

“Experts in the field of technical education are of the opinion that creation of a Unitary University will give a fillip to postgraduate studies and research. The government accepted their proposal and will develop the university into a world class research institute,” the Minister told the Assembly.

Mr. Ponmudy said 100 teachers would be appointed for government engineering colleges to teach computer and information technology subjects. Besides, 1000 vacancies in government arts and science colleges would be filled.

The government had also decided to increase the student intake in five of the six engineering colleges. Each would admit 120 students additionally from this year.

The Minister said steps would be taken to start polytechnics in Theni, Madurai, Perambalur, Tiruvannamalai, Dharmapuri, Villupuram and Tiruvarur districts next year, as announced by the Prime Minister in his Independence Day speech. The government had already identified land for the polytechnics and the proposals had been sent to the Centre. Each polytechnic would get assistance of Rs.12.3 crore.

Mr. Ponmudy said the shift system to be introduced in 14 polytechnics in the current year would benefit 3420 students.

Stressing the need for an academic audit system to ensure quality education for students, especially those belonging to rural areas and backward communities in government colleges, the Minister announced the constitution of a committee. “This is first of its kind in the country,” he said.

Science labs in 10 arts and science colleges, computers for 15 colleges, hostels and new rooms for various engineering colleges were some of the announcements figured in the Minister’s speech.