“Of the 350 Central Universities functioning currently, the country had a requirement for 1,750 Universities to meet the rising demand for knowledge capital,” said V.Narayanasamy, Union Minister of State for Planning, Parliamentary affairs and Culture, at the foundation stone laying of the Post Graduate Centre of Pondicherry University at the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar College of Education on Thursday.
“Quality education is the mandate of the Central government and laws are being formulated to ensure quality education and wean out colleges sprouting out without regulations.”
Over six per cent was allocated for education from the total budgetary allocation of Rs.11,85,000 crore for the current fiscal,” Mr.Narayanasamy said.
Further, more funds were being pumped in for States especially under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.
Of the total budget of Rs.2,500 crore for the current fiscal of Puducherry, efforts were on to ensure allocation of funds in a ratio proportionate to the population of Karaikal, stated Mr.Narayanasamy. Referring to the Vice Chancellor's request for additional allocation of land and funds, Mr.Narayanaswamy assured that he would ensure further allocation of Rs.40 crore.
The Post Graduate Centre was established in 2007, and three courses of MCA, MBA and MCom have since been in the offing in the premises of Perunthalaivar Kamarajar College of Education. Government of Puducherry had aided in providing over five acres for the PG centre.
For the eleventh plan period, the University Grants Commission has approved the Centre with a financial assistance for infrastructure. This entailed a grant of Rs.14 crore for the proposed infrastructure that would include an administrative Block and an academic block.
The administrative and academic blocks would be spread over an area of 1,809 sq.metre, and 3,582 sq.metre respectively. Further, the academic block envisages four classrooms, two computer labs, a library, research scholar cubicle among other facilities. Both blocks would be two-storied with provision for additional two floors. Further, a BSNL leased teleconferencing facility would enable students from off-shore centres of Karaikal and Port Blair to watch lectures of the University.
Speaking on the occasion, Lieutenant Governor Iqbal Singh stated that the PG centre would provide fillip to higher education in the region, especially with the new infrastructure aiding in offering new courses for students of Karaikal. Education was a social leveller said the Lt.Governor, pointing out to the twin function of providing skilled human power along with ensuring social equality through social mobility.
According to him, the higher education enrolment level should be increased to at least 30 per cent from the current level of 12 per cent of high school passouts.
“Conscious of the impetus required in the education sector, plan allocation has been increased to 19 per cent in the Eleventh five year plan (2007-12) from a modest 7.7 percent in Tenth five year plan,” the Lt.Governor said.
V.Vaithilingam, Chief Minister, M.O.H.F.Shahjahan, Minister for Education, A.M.H.Najeem, leader of Opposition, Puducherry, J.A.K.Tareen, Vice Chancellor, Pondicherry University were among those present.
