Acharya plans to create better atmosphere in varsities

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.