Funds allocated to develop universities
Posted on: 02/Sep/2015 4:38:42 PM
Birla Planetarium: Higher Education Minister P. Palaniappan announced in the Assembly on Tuesday that the government has allocated Rs. 10 Crores for the modernisation of the B.M. Birla Planetarium at Periyar Science and Technology Centre, Guindy. Mr. Palaniappan said the planetarium would be upgraded with state-of-the-art digital technology that would be an enriching experience for viewers.
The Higher Education Department will develop infrastructure in the University of Madras and Tamil Nadu Open University. Sports facilities in Bharathiar and Bharathidasan University will also be improved.
Bharathiyar University is the biggest beneficiary with the government planning to construct a swimming pool of international standards at a cost of Rs. 5.95 crore and a men’s and a women’s hostel, each at an estimated Rs. 5.5 crore. Each hostel will have a capacity to accommodate 160 students. The 50-meter swimming pool will help students to train themselves for competitive games , Mr. Palaniappan said.
Bharathidasan University has been allocated Rs. 1.7 crore for a women’s hostel and Rs. 2.4 crore for a fitness centre. The Minister said the center would have scientifically calibrated equipment that would enable sports persons enhance their abilities. The University has been allocated Rs. 3.5 crore to establish a Deen Dayal Upadhyay centre for KAUSHAL - the Knowledge Acquisition and Upgradation of Skilled Human Abilities and Livelihood.
Another Rs. 1.7 crore has been allocated to set up a national repository for micro algae and cyanobacteria. The repository will be set up on the lines of those in North America and France, with the aim of introducing students to a new field in science, Mr. Palaniappan said.
University of Madras is all set to go green. All its buildings, including the newly constructed structures, will be illuminated using solar energy. The Higher Education Department has allocated Rs. 52.50 lakh for setting up solar panels in the university buildings. This is expected to cut sizable the electricity bills that the university currently incurs.
Periyar University, The government proposes to launch an undergraduate program in food science and textile. The skill-based program will train students for the industry who could also consider setting up their own units. The program is envisaged especially for women in the economically backward Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts.
