Acharya plans to create better atmosphere in varsities

Minister for Higher Education, Planning and Statistics Dr V S Acharya said that he will convene a meeting of Vice-Chancellors, officers and other educational experts concerned with the Universities, Collegiate Education and Technical Education during next week.

Addressing mediapersons during his first visit to Udupi after taking charge of new portfolio here on Saturday, he said that he plans to create better atmosphere in the universities, besides implementing new ideas.

Expressing satisfaction as the outgoing Home Minister with maximum success in maintaining law and order mechanism across the State, he said: “I had a fruitful reign and in deed I am satisfied with my achievements as Home Minister.”

He said as many as 16 universities come under the Department, besides 6 divisions of Collegiate Education comprising Bangalore, Mysore, Belgaum, Gulburga, Mangalore and Shimoga within the jurisdiction of Higher Education department.

There are about 200 engineering and polytechnique colleges that come under technical education wing of the department, he said.Knowledge Commission and Karnataka Examination Authority owe its accountability to the ministry. Measures will be taken to bring positive changes aiding academic atmosphere and better teaching programme, he said.

Rain damage: Dr Acharya said Udupi district has incurred loss of Rs 31.51 crore owing to the rain from June 1 till date. As many as 10 lives have been lost in the rain from April till date. About Rs 23 lakhs have been released since June to compensate the damages.About Rs 16 crore was released during last year. Of which, Rs 15.80 crore has been distributed. About Rs 10.80 lakh payments have been made, he added.

Stating that measures have been taken to minimise the damages occurred due to overflow of contaminated waste drainage water of treatment plant at MIT hostel, he said the waste water has contaminated about 30 drinking water wells. The wells have been treated and pathogen test will be conducted everyday to make sure that the water can be used for drinking purpose. He said measures will be taken to repair the NH-17, PWD and ZP roads in the district after the monsoon. About Rs 30 lakh will be deposited for each department as initial fund to begin the work, he added.Dr Acharya said the pilgrims who got struck at Uttarakund and Badrinath owing to heavy rains are safe and arrangements have been made for their return. The state was in constant touch with them and all are out of danger, he said.He said Rs 5 crore has been released as first phase allotments for the Agricultural College at Brahmavar Zonal Research Station. (DHNS)

Karnataka accepts five reforms in education

BANGALORE September 23, 2010 : Dr. Kasturi Rangan, Member, Planning Commission and Chairman, Karnataka Knowledge Commission, on Thursday discussed about the recommendations made by the Knowledge Commission.

The State government has accepted 5 important recommendations of the Commission for improving the quality of education in the Colleges and Universities in the State.

The government has agreed to develop two Universities namely Mysore and Dharwad as model Universities, the chief minister said.

The initiatives of government of Karnataka have been appreciated by Government of India and willing to support the State government in their effort. Dr. Kasturi Rangan assured to take up this at National level.The action of the State government to improve learning by students and also improve their skills was also discussed.

Efforts to improve job opportunities for students in the State was also raised at the meeting and the awareness level of the students joining government colleges are increasing and they are asking for such courses which will help in getting jobs for them, the chairman said.

Dr Kasturirangan was also expected to visit Raichur to have a first hand knowledge of the rehabilitation work in the area.

The Chief Minister said he had fruitful discussion with Planning Commission.”We are happy that we will do our best in making a qualitative change in the field of higher education,” he said. (Mangalorean)