Date:14/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/14/stories/2008101459200500.htm

Andhra Pradesh

District varsities will play a crucial role: Minister

G. Ravikiran

Chenga Reddy promises funds to develop them

Efforts for improving quality of higher education in the State, says APSCHE chairman
Buddha Prasad confident that the varsity will live up to people’s expectations

—Photo: Ch Vijaya Bhaskar

Memorable occasion: Higher Education Minister R. Chenga Reddy interacting with the first batch of students of Krishna University at Machilipatnam on Monday.

MACHILIPATNAM: Higher Education and Law Minister Reddyvari Chenga Reddy on Monday spoke of the Government’s resolve and commitment to create more opportunities in higher education by developing “district universities” as ideal places of learning for the young generation.Mr. Chenga Reddy, along with Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) Chairman K.C. Reddy and others, participated in the inaugural function of the newly-created Krishna University on its temporary premises on the campus of Andhra Jateeya Kalasala in this port town. Students from different parts of the State have been admitted into six courses to begin with. Mr. Chenga Reddy interacted with a few students to know about their feelings.

University Vice-Chancellor M.K. Durga Prasad, Registrar Y. Kishore, Acharya Nagarjuna University former Vice-Chancellor V. Balamohandas and others were present. Local MP Badiga Ramakrishna, Ministers Pinnamaneni Venkateswara Rao, Mandali Buddha Prasad, MLAs Perni Venkataramaiah, Buragadda Vedavyas, MLC Ilapuram Venkaiah and others graced the occasion.

The dignitaries unveiled a plaque marking the inauguration of the university and later visited the newly-developed classrooms and laboratories set up on its premises. Andhra Pradesh Hindi Academy Chairman Yarlagadda Laxmiprasad was also present.

‘Centres of excellence’

Addressing the inaugural meeting, Mr. Chenga Reddy said that the Chief Minister was keen on developing well-equipped and full-fledged universities in every district and these universities would have full viability considering the fact that colleges were proliferating everywhere over the years. He assured to provide necessary funds to these universities to develop them into ‘centres of excellence’.

K.C. Reddy said all efforts were being made to improve the quality of higher education in the State and plans were afoot to pass on the benefits of higher education to maximum number of young people. The best of the facilities would be created in these universities with the objective of ensuring quality education.He said the “district universities” would play a crucial role in creating greater higher educational opportunities for the future generations. The setting up of one university in each district would yield greater benefits in the long run and it would turn out to be very helpful to the young generation.

Mr. Ramakrishna hailed the Government’s decision to develop the Krishna University into a prestigious institution and also described the university’s location in Machilipatnam as a welcome step for the people of the district. Mr. Buddha Prasad expressed confidence that the university would live up to the people’s expectations.