Senate passes KU budget

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, MARCH 31. The Senate of the Kerala University in its meeting today passed the Budget for 2001-2002 which was presented on Saturday by the Syndicate member, Mr. Koliyakode Krishnan Nair.

The Senate unanimously passed an adjournment motion moved by the Senate members, Mr. P. Raghunath and Mr. A Prathapachandran Nair, calling on the UGC and the Central Government to desist from introducing subjects such as Vedic Studies and Astrology in the country's Universities.

In his introductory address, Mr. P. Raghunathan pointed out that while the UGC has sanctioned only eight crores for the study of regional languages, Rs. 30 crores have been sanctioned for the study of Sanskrit alone. In his address, Mr. Prathapachandran Nair said the teaching of astrology in universities should never be encouraged as leading scientists all over the country have opined that astrology cannot be considered a science.

The Senate passed a resolution that says the Kerala University will not grant affiliation to courses such as Vedic Studies and Astrology if they are commenced in any college without the prior knowledge of the University.

Earlier, in reply to a question, the Examination Committee Convener and Syndicate member, Mr. K. A. Andrew, said four squads comprising of teachers and Senate members are currently functioning to check copying during University examinations. Syndicate member, Mr. Thoppil Gopalakrishnan said the University will consider the proposal to shift the University Information Centre at Kollam to a more convenient location. In reply to a question, the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. B. Ekbal, said he will visit the Kollam centre to assess its functioning.

Replying to a question, the Syndicate member, Mr. K. Sasikumar, said the dispute regarding the construction of a general library at the Kariavattom campus will be resolved at the earliest construction work will be started as soon as possible.

The Senate was also told that the University will appoint a part- time warden on an honorary basis at the University Women's hostel.

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Section  : Southern States
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