Mangalore University Academic Council approved the statute related to the institution of “Kodava Samskrithika Adhyana Peetha” at the council meeting here on Monday. The statute will be sent to the Governor for approval.

The Academic Council meeting was held under the presidentship of Vice-Chancellor Prof K M Kaveriappa. 

The State government’s proposal to institute an endowment chair in Mangalore University, necessitated the University to frame the statute in this regard. Deputy Chief Minister has announced Rs 25 lakh grant for the Peetha in the budget. According to the statute, the accrued interest and the annual grant of Rs 2 lakh as proposed by the government shall be utilised for the fulfilment of the objectives of the Peetha.

The Peetha aims to study the history of Kodava people, bring out the rich archeological, epigraphical and literary sources that go in the making of the history.

The other aims of the Peetha are as follows: To create an archive to preserve the documents pertaining to Kodava history and culture; To study the religious beliefs and practices, folk traditions and performing arts of the region; To survey the monuments, both religious and secular, to create awareness for their protection etc.
The Peetha will also study the Kodava language, and literature to highlight the cultural identity and achievements of the people.

Correspondence course
The Council also approved the syllabus for the correspondence course in MA history.

Prof Kaveriappa informed the meeting that MA history was planned to start under the distance education programme of the University. But as per the Karnataka University Act 2000, distance education programmes was renamed as correspondence course.

Syllabus
The Council approved the revised syllabus of MSc in Material Science, inter-disciplinary subject of Human Resource Development Studies for BA, BSc, Medicinal plant biotechnology and MSC in Food Science and Technology.

Prof Kaveriappa informed the meeting that MSC in Food Science and Technology will be started from this academic year only if the facilities are set up or else it will be started next year.

The Council also approved syllabus framed for the certificate course on ‘women empowerment’ at Milagres College, Kallianpur.
Affiliations denied
The Academic Council rejected the proposal to provide extension affiliation to three Government First Grade Colleges at Hebri, Uppinangady and Haleyangadi to start BSc in Physics, Mathematics and Computer Science.

Local Inspection Committee had given negative report for the affiliation as the Colleges did not have any basic facilities like building, laboratory, computers and qualified teachers.

“We will specify the reasons why we are not providing affiliation to the Colleges rather than just mentioning the lack of basic facilities,” Prof Kaveriappa informed the meeting.

Affiliation
The Council accepted the affiliation for Agasthya College of Management provided the College authorities agree to shift the college from cellar floor of the Hotel Panchami to Abco Trade Centre in Kottara Chowki.

Local Inspection Committee Chairman Prof P S Yadapadithaya informed the meeting that the college authorities have agreed to provide furnitures, computers for the starting of BCA courses, and books for reference.

However, VC informed the meeting that the Principal of the College is not qualified as he does not hold any masters degree.

Registrar Dr Sundar Naik was present.

ONLY 15 IN COUNCIL MEET
The number of members who attended the Academic Council meeting was only 15. The Senate Hall was full of empty seats.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Vice-Chancellor Prof K M Kaveriappa said: “Since we had the quorum, we went ahead with the meeting.”

He said “since degree colleges reopened on Monday, the principals of the Colleges did not attend.”