Universities in Kerala uphold democracy, says Balagopal
The Hindu
‘State continues to follow the tradition of bringing top academics to the helm of universities’
Universities in Kerala are helmed by Vice Chancellors who might have divergent political views, but are academically proficient, Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal has said. Without naming anyone, he added that various quarters had arrived at uninformed conclusions without understanding the democratic nature of universities in the State.
Inaugurating the human resources development centre at the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) here on Monday, Mr. Balagopal said the State continued to follow its tradition of bringing top academics to the helm of universities. Besides, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) had provided priority to empower Syndicates and Academic Councils while in power.
The Minister cited a violent episode in which students were killed at the Banaras Hindu University in Uttar Pradesh years ago in support of his claim that the universities in Kerala stood apart from the rest.
“Five students were shot dead by the security guards of the Vice Chancellor then. The Vice Chancellors in many such universities continue to receive protection by armed security personnel. People who are accustomed to such scenes may harbour wrong notions among universities in Kerala,” he said.
He added the universities in Kerala have preserved the sanctity of campuses that are run with the collective responsibility of the Vice Chancellors and statutory bodies including the Syndicates and the Academic Councils. Besides, the Syndicates and Senates in universities here have set apart positions for people’s representatives and students to uphold the democratic spirit. “Some believe this is not the manner universities must be run,” Mr. Balagopal added.
The Minister also said the government aimed at modernising the higher education sector in a way that it could incorporate advancements in the industrial and research sectors. He also urged universities to take up applied research, along with academic research, and to establish start-ups.
While 50 acres had been acquired for the KTU permanent campus, another 50 acres would be acquired to facilitate industrial and practical research projects, Mr. Balagopal said, while expressing optimism the university would develop into a hub for collaborative research in engineering, health and industry.
M. Suhaib, Additional District Judge, Kozhikode, suspended for alleged misconduct towards female court employee in official chamber.
Foundation laid for new auditorium at Sivakasi Government Arts and Science College with financial support from local businesses.
Telangana to introduce new clean energy policy to meet rising energy demands sustainably, aiming for 20,000 MW renewable capacity by 2030.
The girl, who was admitted to Aster CMI Hospital with alarming breathlessness and significant pallor, was diagnosed with Wegener’s Granulomatosis (now known as Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis or GPA), a rare autoimmune condition that causes spontaneous bleeding in the lungs, leading to acute respiratory failure.
Puzhal prison officials investigate fire accident that destroyed old files and cardboard boxes, possibly caused by prisoners.
ACB files case against IPS officer N. Sanjay in Andhra Pradesh. The official is accused of manipulating the tender processes for awarding contract for development and maintenance of AGNI-NOC portal, and conducting awareness meetings for SC/STs. It is alleged that the total value of properties stolen, or involved in the case is estimated at ₹1,75,86,600.
The holiday season spanning from Christmas to New Year has seen a surge in tourists visiting Mysuru with the hospitality sector announcing 100 per cent occupancy for the entire duration.
BJP leader and former MP, Prathap Simha, has backed the Mysuru City Corporation’s (MCC) proposal to name a stretch of KRS road in the city after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Tourists flock to Visakhapatnam and Alluri Sitharama Raju districts for holidays, leading to full occupancy in hotels and attractions.
Umayalpuram Swaminatha Iyer's legacy in music and teachings remembered through stories and memories of his disciples and students.
Kalaburagi District Police Dog Squad bids emotional farewell to Reeta, a crucial part of operations and investigations.