Minister moots panel for Varsity's centenary year

Minister for Higher Education Dr V S Acharya on Monday asked the University of Mysore (UoM) to constitute a high-power committee to prepare a roadmap for the grand celebration of centenary year of the university slated for the year 2015. 

“It is only four years left for the university to celebrate its 100 years of existence. The panel comprising the university authorities and the officials of higher education department can lay out a plan for a befitting celebration of the centenary year”.

The Minister said this after presenting the doctoral degrees to PhD students of various streams at Crawford Hall here.

Quoting recent census report, the Higher Education Minister said that only 12-13 per cent of the youth population of the state enrolled for the higher education in universities and colleges.  The vast number of rural masses are left behind.

Hence, the universities should strive for an inclusive education policy and reach out to the youth in rural areas. “The globalisation and liberalisation has opened immense opportunities for the youth of country. Education and skill development training can help secure the future of youth and the country.

Advancement

The 12-13 per cent enrollment in higher education do not augur well for a state which has made tremendous advancements in the fields of science and technology, astronomy and aeronautics and IT and BT,” he said.

Acharya said the state government aimed to push enrollment to at least 16 per cent by 2015 and achieve a target of 20 per cent by 2030. There are about 30 universities and 2300 colleges, including autonomy and deemed universities across state.

The state government has plans to triple the investment in education sector, including primary education in next five years. The youth of the country can be empowered only through education and skilled training, the Minister added.

On the occasion, Acharya presented PhD awards to 357 candidates.

The PhD awards were presented as part of the extended 91st annual convocation of the University of Mysore. The convocation was extended by one more day because of the big list of PhD awardees.

Vice-Chancellor Prof V G Talawar, Registrar (evaluation) Ramu, Director of College Development committee N Chandra Kumar and others were present.