The University of Kannur will observe 2013-14 as solar energy year by developing solar energy parks on its campuses.
This was announced by the university’s Finance Committee convener John Joseph while presenting the university Budget for 2013-14 at the Syndicate meeting on the Mangattuparamba campus here on Monday. The budget earmarked Rs.2 crore for the project aimed at tiding over energy shortage on the campuses. The budget also proposes that the affiliated colleges that built best solar energy parks would be bestowed with cash prizes.
Dr. Joseph also highlighted the proposal for introducing rainwater harvesting and water conservation on the university campuses and colleges. Incentives would be offered to the institutions involved in conservation activities. An agricultural park christened ‘Kulirvanam’ would be developed on the campus under construction at Thavakkara in the heart of Kannur town. It would include a huge tank on 1.25 acres of land. The university has sought the assistance of the Agricultural Department for the project.
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Another novel proposal in the budget is ‘Counselling for students’ scheme aimed at offering counselling for students to relieve students from mental stress and anxieties. Convocation ceremony for Ph.D. scholars, campus placement, P.T. Usha award for best athlete, international academic meet, workshop for teachers and non-teaching staff, and award for best unaided college are among the proposals.
The university budget for 2013-14 envisages a total outlay of Rs.111.96 crore. The budget was drafted in anticipation of Rs.28 crore as grant from the government under the Plan fund. Under the non-Plan fund, a government grant of Rs.13 crore is anticipated. In the non-fund expenditure, a deficit of Rs.5.76 crore is expected, the budget shows.
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The budget earmarks Rs.43.50 lakh for promoting physical education programmes. The work of the university central library would be completed this year. An amount of Rs.15 crore was allocated for completion of the building. The budget also sets apart Rs.3 crore for digitisation and purchase of books. Also earmarked is Rs.50 lakh for constructing another floor on the library building on the Palayad campus. Funds were also allocated for starting new courses including PG diploma courses in translation studies, technical writing, tourism management studies, capital marketing operation, certificate courses in media studies, music therapy and airlines and tourism marketing.
The budget also promised the starting of MBA course on the Kasaragod campus.