The Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) received a major boost in the State Budget when Finance Minister T. M. Thomas Isaac announced one of the biggest projects for elevating the university’s research infrastructure into world-class level.
The ambitious research laboratory proposal estimated to cost ₹240 crore found a place in the Budget presented in the Assembly on Friday. Funds mobilised through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) would be utilised for the project.
“It was announced in the previous year’s budget that a comprehensive programme would be formulated to transform university centres in the State into centres of excellence. In accordance with this, Cochin University has submitted a detailed project report for ₹240 crore to the KIIFB. The core of this report is a laboratory of international standards. The investment for this purpose will be provided from KIIFB,” said Mr. Isaac in his Budget speech. The Hindu had reported in November last year that the government would approve a proposal to set up the state-of-the-art research laboratory at Cusat utilising funds mobilised through its KIIFB.
Welcoming the government decision, Vice Chancellor J. Letha said that it would help in elevating the university in to a world-class institution. The lab would be a common facility for research under the faculties of science, marine science and technology, she said.
Land has been identified for setting up a common research complex that would house a state-of-the-art research laboratory placement and IT centre at the Thrikkakara campus.
