Kalamassery (Kochi): The Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) has submitted a Rs 1,500 crore plan to the union human resources department to turn it into a center of excellence, vice chancellor Dr J Latha said. She said that the plan was intended to elevate the university to global standards.
The university tops the list of 10 academic institutions being considered for the tag by the union ministry. The University of Kerala is the other institution in the state on the list. The university will receive Rs 1,000 crore for its development if it is selected for development as a center of excellence.
The CUSAT plan focuses on science, engineering, marine science, technology and management. The university will start five integrated science courses in maths, physics, chemistry and statistics next year. These courses will offer post-graduate degrees at the end of five years. Each course has 15 seats.
The university also plans to form an alumni association to liaison with industries.
A science-based program started by the university has been taken over by the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA). The central agency has recommended implementing ‘Shastrayan’ in all universities, Dr Latha said.
CUSAT will organize a program to honor all its former teachers on January 16, when governor Justice P Sathasivam will hand over the chancellor’s award to the university.
The vice chancellor said that the prize money would be used to set up a chancellor’s chair and to build a women’s hostel on the campus.
