Govt. chasing Cusat’s IIEST dream

Varsity’s proposal reaches HRD Ministry for final vetting

Turning the IIT dream a reality has prompted the government to revive its chase for upgrading Cochin University of Science and Technology into an Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST).

The Hindu has learnt from top officials close to the development that the varsity’s IIEST proposal has reached the table of the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) for final vetting. The inter-ministerial consultations, including that with the NITI Aayog, have been completed.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has now asked Cusat authorities to prepare a note to be presented before the HRD Minister Smriti Irani. A high-level delegation led by Mr. Chandy and comprising senior officials of the Higher Education Department and Cusat is expected to visit New Delhi to fast-track the project.

The MHRD had also sent the proposal to the Expenditure Finance Committee for its nod after the varsity authorities submitted a revised four-year long action plan focusing on the initiatives to be undertaken by various departments and research centres.

Cusat had submitted the break-up plan on the utilisation of the Rs. 500 crore sought under the detailed project report on converting it to an IIEST.

It had prepared a detailed report highlighting its priorities and underlining the measurable parameters for the upgrade into an IIEST. The departmental-wise projects to be undertaken once Cusat becomes an IIEST was a key component of the report.

The Ministry had wanted Cusat to list down its academic and infrastructure targets for a period of four years.

The Ministry also asked the university to submit the details of the academic equipment to be purchased as part of elevating it to an IIEST. Cusat has now submitted the financial requirement for carrying out construction activities in connection with the IIEST proposal. Cusat was among the five institutes identified for upgradation into IIESTs based on the recommendations made by a panel headed by M. Anandakrishnan, former Vice-Chancellor of Anna University.