Karnataka Education thread is to post news & updates of all existing and upcoming schools, colleges & universities in Karnataka.

Karnataka state has been a pioneer in the field of education with many great Institutions.

Gulbarga varsity launches microbial technology course (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/136695/gulbarga-varsity-launches-microbial-technology.html)


The Gulbarga University has launched an innovative post graduate diploma in Microbial Technology and Bioprocess Engineering, the first of its kind in the State, from the current academic year.

The one-year interdisciplinary course in the emerging areas is open to any student with life science background. Students with MSc in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Engineering graduates with any biology subject, Medical, Pharmacy, Agriculture, and Veterinary science graduates are all eligible for the course. The selection for the course will be made on national-level merit criteria. Due to lack of information, only eight students have sought admission in the maiden year, while the sanctioned strength is 12. Out of the eight students admitted, in the first year, seven are from MSc in Microbiology while one is a BE in Biotechnology. The regular classes will start this month. The University Grants Commission has sanctioned Rs 40 lakh to Gulbarga varsity for purchase of necessary equipment and infrastructure.

‘Industry relevant’
Chairman of the Department of Microbiology Dr Y M Jayaraj told Deccan Herald that the new course was very useful as it gave value addition to the basic life sciences knowledge and makes the students industry-competent. “Due to industrial exposure and practical orientation, the students will have greater chances of getting placement in various industries’’ Dr Jayaraj said, adding the course has extensive applications in the areas like microbiological industries, vaccine, enzymes, tanning and pharmaceutical industry. Besides the students emerging from the new course can have easy placement in quality control, research and development wing. Enzyme treatment is said to be the latest trend in a number of industries replacing the chemical treatment. The new course extensively deals with enzyme treatment which creates better demand in the industry. The two-phase course comprises two semesters. Phase I includes theory and practicals in the department, phase II involves a two-month placement in industrial/institutional R&D for a project work and phase-III covers theory and practicals.

Funds sought for Kannada Study Chairs abroad (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/136692/funds-sought-kannada-study-chairs.html)


The Kannada Development Authority has submitted a proposal to the State government seeking a grant of Rs two crore each to Kannada Study Chairs in four universities abroad.
Three universities in Germany and one in Austria have set up Kannada Chairs where several scholars are into research. Authority Chairman Mukhyamantri Chandru on Thursday said he had appealed to the chief minister to allocate funds to Heidelberg University, the University of Wurzburg and Munich University in Germany and Vienna University in Austria. Chandru had led a delegation to these universities a couple of months ago and the team interacted with the faculty of the Indology Department and felt the need for financial assistance to strengthen the Kannada Study Chairs.

Movie library: He said these varsities had separate library comprising 2,500 books and hundreds of Kannada movies. Many faculty members in the department have studied Kannada literature in Karnataka. The foreign universities require only seed money to strengthen the departments, he said. The Authority will provide Rs 2,000 a month to students studying in post-graduation centres of Kannada in neighbouring states. The Kannada Development Authority has selected 80 students from financially poor families for the benefit. The beneficiaries will receive the money at a function to be held in Bangalore on Sunday, February 13.

nice to see education is also getting its due :banana: :cheers:

KDA plans funding to set up Kannada Chairs abroad

Bangalore: For the benefit of Kannada research scholars residing abroad, the Kannada Development Authority (KDA) has mooted a proposal on funding to set up Kannada Chairs in Munich University, Heidelberg University, University of Wurzburg, all in Germany; and Vienna University, Austria.

Addressing presspersons here on Thursday, KDA Chairman Mukhyamantri Chandru said Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa had been urged to allocate Rs. 2 crore each to set up a Kannada Chair in each of the four universities in the State Budget for 2011-12. These universities have established Indology Departments to teach Indian languages.

For the benefit of research scholars, universities have sought one-time grant to set up chairs and purchase Kannada books.

Mr Chandru, who led a delegation to these universities, said the University of Wurzburg has nearly 2,500 Kannada books and 250 video cassettes of various Kannada films.

The foreign universities had also inked pacts with some of the State universities for promoting Kannada and exchange of faculty, he said.

The KDA chief said the Government had decided to hold a programme at the Freedom Park here on Sunday to grant fellowships of Rs. 20,000 each for 80 postgraduate Kannada students studying in seven universities located outside the State.

The annual fellowship amount of Rs. 16.38 lakh would be given to 38 girls and 42 boys studying MA programme in Kannada in Kannada PostGraduation and Research Centre, Kasaragod; Madras University, Chennai; Osmania University, Hyderabad; Bombay University, Mumbai; Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai; Dravida University, Kuppam; and Sollapur University, Akkalakote.

The Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/11/stories/2011021165760600.htm)

BU offers land for Bhuvaneshwari statue (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/136982/bu-offers-land-bhuvaneshwari-statue.html)


The Bangalore University has offerred ten acres of land for installation of a mammoth statue of goddess Bhuvaneshwari on the Jnanabharati campus.

Sources said BU Vice-Chancellor N Prabhu Dev was very keen on getting the proposed statue installed in the varsity premises. The University wanted to set up a centre for learning and research in Kannada if the government accepted the proposal. A decision to this effect was taken at the Syndicate meeting on Thursday and it would be conveyed to the Kannada and Culture department. According to sources, some of the Syndicate members initially opposed the proposal. They contended that the varsity should not turn into a destination for religious tourism. However, the V-C and other members convinced them saying that the statue would help promote the University at the international level. Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa had announced a grant of Rs 25 crore for the installation of the statue. Minister R Ashoka had said the statue may come up at the Freedom Park, Gandhinagar. Official sources also said the statue may come up in the Race Course, if the government took control of the Turf Club land.

University of Mysore to host ‘Suvarna Manasa - 2011’ from Tuesday


http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4039/mysoreuniversitybuildin.jpg (http://img831.imageshack.us/i/mysoreuniversitybuildin.jpg/)

To commemorate the 50 years of the Manasagangothri campus, the University of Mysore (UoM) is organising an academic exhibition, ‘Suvarna Manasa - 2011’ between Feb 15 and Feb 22.

The Suvarna Manasa would bring to fore and showcase the academic success and excellence the University achieved in the past 50 years after the establishing of Manasgangothri campus.

About 42 different departments in the University campus in science and technology, humanities, commerce and education and four exclusive centres, Maharaja College, Hassan and Mandya post graduate centres would host the exhibition showcasing various activities, research programmes, new experiments and the adoption of communication technology in teaching and in the library, V G Talawar, Vice - Chancellor of UoM told a press conference here on Saturday.

The major attraction at the expo would include live experiments, hi - tech laboratories, film shows, cyber crime, quiz shows, digital library, global warming, rain-water harvesting, crime prevention, online trading and securities, micro finance, chemical garden, display of 12 th century AD idol of goddess Natya Saraswathi, 10 th century AD sculpture of goddess Parvathi, rock garden and others.

It would also host exhibition on cartoons, newspaper clippings, historic monuments and photographs. The expo will be open to public between 2 pm to 8 pm for students and general public.

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa would inaugurate the week-long programme at the inaugural event to be held at Senate Bhavan at 10.30 am on the day. Higher Education Minister V S Acharya, Chairman of Karnataka Science and Technology Academy U R Rao are expected to attend.

Source:- Deccan Herald (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/137217/uom-host-suvarna-manasa-2011.html)

Health clubs in all govt schools soon (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/137829/health-clubs-all-govt-schools.html)


By an order, the government has made it mandatory for all its schools to have health clubs to monitor the health of children.

It had issued a circular on August 21, 2010 asking schools to set up such clubs, but not satisfied with the progress, the government has now made it compulsory for the schools to set up the clubs. The government initiative comes in the wake of the oft-articulated concern about the deteriorating impact of the modern lifestyles on children across State over the last few years. It is stated that the initiative to make these clubs mandatory was mooted by the Minister for Primary and Secondary Education, Vishveshwara Hegde Kageri. While Education Department officials state that the health clubs were already in place across the State over the last few years, it has now taken a proactive stance for making it mandatory in all its schools. “The clubs are just a forum to ensure that the physical health of every school child is monitored,” an officer of the Department of Education told Deccan Herald.

However, health clubs in this context are radically different from the similar-named gyms in five-star hotels. The government concept of a school health club is just a rudimentary, first level check-up of students by teachers. Last year’s circular had asked all secondary schools to have two nodal teachers for the club, a regular teacher and the Physical Education teacher to monitor the children on a regular basis. The children would undego initial screening by the teachers for any health problems, and would be referred to a doctor. The Department had also suggested competitions for generating awareness among students, like painting, book readings and other activities for the health clubs.

“We have tied up with the Lions and Rotary clubs to avail services of doctor among their members,” the officer said. In case of serious medical issues and emergency, the nodal teachers will facilitate to take the the children to the nearest government hospital for treatment. Officers estimate that 536 primary and secondary schools across the State would have the health clubs that were to be up and running by September 9, 2010. “We have almost covered 70 to 80 percent of our schools by initiating these clubs. However, there are a few more schools which need to set up these clubs,” said the official. In Bangalore, however, the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has stated that the circular is yet to reach it and it was not aware about the details of these clubs.

Davangere university

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/8326/davangereuniversity1.jpg

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/9265/davangereuniversity2.jpg


GM Institute of technology

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/3476/gmithindu.jpg

cc-Hindu

Sign up for music varsity before Feb 25

MYSORE: Finally, South India's first music varsity Dr Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University in Mysore will commence its academic activities from March-end.

Notwithstanding the land controversy, the varsity has decided to go ahead with the classes at Lakshmipuram School on JLB Road. The varsity was denied land to set up its campus for two years ago. In the process, it wasted one academic year. Some 100 acres of land was allotted to it by the district administration at Varakodu was objected to by the forest department saying it was forested.

The process of admission has commenced and the last date for registration is February 25. However, the fee structure will be finalized at a meeting of finance officers and registrars of different universities of Karnataka on February 24.

Source:- TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/Sign-up-for-music-varsity-before-Feb-25/articleshow/7530043.cms)

Davangere V-C refuses comment on engg college (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubli/Davangere-V-C-refuses-comment-on-engg-college/articleshow/7535745.cms)
TNN, Feb 20, 2011, 10.27pm IST

DAVANAGERE: "I have no comments, it is the government which decides about bringing University BDT College of Engineering (UBDTCE) of Davanagere under the VTU umbrella," said Davanagere University V-C Prof S Indumathi, reacting to the government's move on the issue.

Further, she said that if it was in the interest of students and faculty, she had no objections.

UBDTCE principal Prof K Revanasiddappa was not ready to comment on the move immediately as he said he needed to think it over.

However, it was a reason for great joy for most of the faculty and students of UBDTCE for bringing their college under VTU for several reasons: "We will get a high level of recognition both at the national and international levels if our college is brought under the VTU tag," said a senior professor, onconditionof anonymity.

The students said it would help them to have a uniform calender of events including holding of exams and declaration of results.

The college is facing a dearth of recognition and lacks campus placements. There is a shortage of teachers. There is no guest house or auditorium of its own which could accommodate all the students of the college. There is no separate PG block nor classrooms to hold MTech classes, said a PG student.

Zero waste management plant planned at UoM Sericulture dept
Mysore, February 22, DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/140215/zero-waste-management-plant-planned.html):

University of Mysore (UoM) is all set to house a zero waste management plant, thanks to an offer by Mysore City Corporation (MCC) Commissioner K S Raykar to install the plant in the varsity campus.

He was speaking to mediapersons at the inauguration of Biowaste management through composting and vermi-composting organised by the Department of Sericulture, UoM.

Commending the reform activities being taken out by UoM, Raykar said that the initial funding of around ` 20-25 lakh for setting-up a waste management plant will be given by MCC.

He said that the plant will be managed by the university and women self-help groups (SHG) will be given priority to take care of the management of the plant.

He said that segregation and classification of waste will be taken by the Self Help Groups.
Pointing out that the MCC wouldn’t stake claim on any revenue generated, Raykar mentioned that the revenue generated will be utilised for the maintenance of the plant.

Describing the functioning of Biowaste management, Associate Professor Department of Sericulture, Dr Basavaiah said that waste was being accumulated from July last year.

During this time, 50 tonnes of compost and three tonnes of vermi-compost were being generated.

He said that vermi-compost will be sold at Rs four per kg, while one tonne of compost will be available for Rs 1,000.

Mysore’s own news channel at Suvarna Manasa!
Mysore, February 22, DHNS: (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/140209/mysores-own-news-channel-suvarna.html)

Mushrooming of '24x7' news channels in the electronic media has also whetted one’s interest to peek into the newsroom.

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/4329/suvarnamanasa250.jpg (http://img267.imageshack.us/i/suvarnamanasa250.jpg/)

Given an opportunity, the interested brains, especially general public, will definitely make a beeline into the studio. And, that’s what is happening at Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMMRC) of University of Mysore.

The centre has converted a tad big hall into a newsroom, as part of the ongoing ‘Suvarna Manasa Expo 2011’, at Manasagangothri campus.

The exhibition is organised as part of the 50th year celebrations of the good old campus.
Aptly named ‘news room’, it gives the visitor a glimpse of the set up with a newscaster facing the camera.

With women making their presence felt in almost all the fields, media is not an exception.
Here too, at the newsroom, two girl students help you with the minute details, besides donning the roles of newscaster and cameraman, on request.

Brainchild

EMMRC Director Dr A Balasubramanyan, the brain behind the concept told Deccan Herald, he placed a computer screen in a reverse direction in front of a mirror to create a Teleprompter (device used at present to read the text seeing directly at the camera) making the facility complete.

For those having a taste for other technologies, a photo sketch convert gives you a feel of swiftness- it takes a split second to show your photograph captured in the web camera, convert into contour.

Move a bit further, you have ‘photo shine’ literally meaning numerous photoframes with neatly worked out designs readily available, followed by ‘funmorph’.

Just place the curser and drag the photo according to your whims and fancies giving it a funny look for ‘fun morph’.

Other interesting exhibits are ‘PTZ’ camera- P-pan, T-tilt and Z-zoom, ‘Mysore marvels’ a slide show of the history of Mysore produced by EMMRC, multi-channel mixer, gramophone to name a few.

The studio too is kept opened, and it will sure answer most of your related queries. The exhibition will remain open up to February 24, between 2 pm and 8 pm.

21ST KARNATAKA HISTROY CONGRESS IN CITY FROM FEB.25

Mysore, Feb.24 (SB)- The 21st Session of the Karnataka History Congress will begin in city from Feb.25 under the aegis of the Department of Studies & Research in History, Karnataka State Open University (KSOU).

The three-day Session will be inaugurated by Prof. S.A. Bari, Vice-Chancellor, Kuvempu University, Shimoga, at Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar auditorium, Senate Bhavan, Manasagangotri, on Feb.25 at 10 am.

Prof. B. Sheik Ali, retired VC, Mangalore & Goa Universities, will take part as the chief guest.

Prof. Shivanna, retired History Professor, Mysore University, will chair the Session and Prof. K.S. Rangappa, VC, KSOU, will preside over the function.

Prof. S. Chandrashekar, President, Karnataka History Congress and Prof. R. Rajanna, Gen. Secretary, will be present.

Prof. Sheik Ali will release the 20th Session souvenir. Prof. Rangappa will release 'Adhunika Bharata' book authored jointly by Dr. A.C. Nagesh and Prof. R. Rajanna.

The Sessions will come to an end with a valedictory function on Feb.27 at Cauvery auditorium in KSOU premises at 4.30 pm.

Nadoja Dr. D. Javaregowda will deliver the valedictory speech and Prof. O. Anantharamaiah will be the chief guest.

At the Sessions, more than a hundred papers will be presented by scholars and researchers on ancient, medieval and modern Karnataka history, political, social, economic & religious conditions, art, architecture, culture and traditions along with various movements.

The Karnataka History Congress was started in 1980 by a group of history scholars with an aim to bring interest in the public about the history and traditions of Kannada land.

Veteran scholars like Prof. A. Sundar, Prof. A.K. Shastri, Prof. Shettar, Prof. Syed Azam, Prof. Jamuna, Prof. Vijay Poonacha and others will be present along with around 500 History lecturers, researchers and students.

Star of Mysore

Budget allocation for Education



Higher Education

A post graduate centre at Kushalanagar under Mangalore University would be set up during 2011-12, for which Rs.5 crore has been provided. For imparting specialized training in Music and Art, Music University, Janapada University and Lalithakala University have also been established. In 2011-12, Rs.10 crore would be provided for their development.

The outlay for Higher Education has been enhanced from Rs.1,676 crore in 2010-11 to Rs.2,002 crore in 2011-12.

Primary and Secondary education

An outlay of Rs.900 crore has been made for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan in 2011-12. The State Government has provided Rs.394 crore to supplement the central grants for this programme.

In view of the popularity and good outcomes of Nali-Kali, this scheme has been extended to cover students of 3rd Standard also. 7 lakh children in the State will be benefiting from this scheme. 2.65 lakh teachers have been given residential training under the scheme.

Under the Rastriya Madhyamika Shikshana Yojana started in 2010-11, 74 model schools have been established. State Government will provide 25% of its share to this scheme. A sum of Rs. 50 crore would be provided in the year 2011-12.

Under the popular, effective and useful bicycle scheme, during 2009-10, 5.32 lakh students have been given bicycles. In the coming financial year about 12 lakh students would be provided bicycles pertaining to the period 2010-11 and 2011-12. Rs.250 crore will be provided during the year 2011-12 for this.

At present free text books are being provided to the students of 1st to 8th Class studying in both government and aided schools. During the year 2011-12 free text books will be supplied to students of 9th and 10th Class also.

People from rural areas have complained that income certificate is being insisted upon at the time of admitting their children to Government primary schools. Therefore from the year 2011-12 onwards this condition of income certificate would be dispensed with.

A new scheme for adult literacy called Sakshara Bharath has been started. This programme is being implemented in 20 districts including 11 districts of north Karnataka. In this programme a total of 40 lakh non-literates including females of 15 years and above in rural areas would benefit. Priority is accorded to scheduled castes, schedule tribes, minorities and other backward classes. A provision of Rs.5 crore as State share is made for 2011‑12.

Since the activities of Bharat Scouts and Guides are conducted at the high school level, this subject will be transferred to the Department of Primary and Secondary Education. An amount of Rs.4 crore will be given for constructing Scouts Bhavan in Bangalore and to provide uniform of scouts and guides for the poor children.

The total outlay for the primary and secondary education has been increased from Rs.8,830 crore in 2010-11 to Rs. 10,281 crore in 2011-12.

Karnataka Knowledge Commission

Headed by the eminent space scientist Dr.K.Kasturirangan who is also a Member of the Planning Commission, the Karnataka Knowledge Commission is working with a mandate to transform Karnataka into a vibrant knowledge society. The Commission has given several recommendations in the focus areas of literacy and school education, higher education, vocational education, humanities and management, health services and knowledge networks. An amount of Rs.10 crore will be provided for implementing the projects recommended by the Knowledge Commission.

Medical Education

The total annual intake of undergraduate courses in four government medical colleges at Bangalore, Mysore, Bellary and Hubli have been increased from 500 to 800 seats. Simultaneously proposal is also being made to the Medical Council of India for increasing the number of PG seats. With these additional seats, along with the 600 MBBS seats in the newly started six government medical colleges, the availability of qualified medical doctors will increase considerably.

An amount of Rs.5 crore will be provided to upgrade the Rajiv Gandhi Chest Institute as a national institute. To provide specialised health care services to senior citizens and to take up research activities a ‘Geriatric Institute’ at an estimate of Rs.5 crore would be established in the premises of Rajiv Gandhi Chest Institute. Karnataka Institute of Diabetology is developing as a unique centre for comprehensive treatment and care of diabetic people. An amount of Rs 5 crore will be provided for strengthening the institute. For upgradation of Dharwad Mental Health and Neuro Sciences Institute, Rs 5 crore would be provided.

Hrudaya Sanjeevani Scheme is being implemented successfully by Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research. During the current year, 992 poor patients have already been treated. An amount of Rs.5 crore will be provided to continue this scheme.

An amount of Rs.25 crore will be provided to the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubli.

Ayush: World Ayurveda Conference was held successfully this year in Bangalore. With a view to encourage study of Ayurveda, it is proposed to start an Ayurveda college in Shimoga in 2011-12. An amount of Rs.10 crore will be provided for this.

During 2010-11, more than 45,000 patients were treated in Ayush hospitals and clinics. In all district hospitals Ayush units would be started. For this purpose Rs.5 crore would be provided. In Ayush Hospitals and in other places, Wellness Centres would be established on Public Private Partnership basis.

In order to provide preventive, holistic and lifestyle management practices, a new scheme called ‘Ayush Grama’ would be taken up on PPP model in one Gram Panchayat each in 10 taluks on pilot basis.

The outlay for the Medical Education has been increased from Rs. 723 crore in 2010-11 to Rs.826 crore in 2011-12.


Source: State Budget

State plans “grading” system for engineering colleges
flashnewstoday (http://flashnewstoday.com/index.php/state-plans-grading-system-for-engineering-colleges/)


http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/7963/gradingsystem.jpg (http://img534.imageshack.us/i/gradingsystem.jpg/)

The state government which is in deep trouble over the fee reimbursement arrears that amount to nearly `3,500 crore, is once again talking about a “grading” system for engineering colleges apparently to rein in the college managements. To this effect, it has directed the high-power committee set up for the purpose to grade the colleges within two weeks.

The managements, meanwhile, see it as an “arm-twisting tactic” adopted by the government to create panic among the colleges which are demanding the fee reimbursement arrears.

The government had appointed a three-member high-power committee in August last year to grade the colleges based on their faculty and infrastructure after it received several complaints that majority of the engineering colleges in the state had failed to comply with the AICTE norms despite running for several years.

Sources said that the government wants to grade engineering colleges into four categories. Top colleges will be graded “category A” and average colleges “category B”. The remaining below-average colleges will be graded as “C” and the rest will fall under the D category which are “unfit” to run classes.

The government plans to release fee reimbursement arrears on priority basis to colleges depending on the grades. While A-grade colleges will get 100 per cent of the arrears, the B-grade ones will get 50 per cent and the C-grade colleges will get 25 per cent arrears immediately. The D-grade colleges will be issued notices to comply with the minimum norms to claim the funds.

As per official estimates, less than 70 colleges out of 700 engineering colleges in the state fall under “category A”. A major chunk of the colleges are sub-standard and can be “checked” while releasing the funds.

Sources said that the government wants to bring to the notice of the Supreme Court the existing “ground realities” in colleges with regard to the quality of engineering education being offered to students after claiming huge amounts from the government. This will be done as part of its affidavit to be filed before the SC within four weeks.

All 1,500 institutes of Higher Learning & Research to be Linked with National Knowledge Network by March, 2012
PIB (http://www.pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=70315)

The Union Finance Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee while presenting the Union Budget for 2011-12 has announced that the connectivity under National Knowledge Network (NKN) to all 1,500 Institutions of Higher Learning and Research through optical fiber backbone would be provided by March, 2012.

The Finance Minister pointed out that 190 Institutes would be connected to NKN during the current year.

The NKN was approved in March, 2010.

DSM/AKS/HC/56
(Release ID :70315)

Gulbarga University to open PG centre at Basavakalyan
The Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/28/stories/2011022854070500.htm)

Bidar: Gulbarga University plans to open a postgraduate centre at Basavakalyan, Vice-Chancellor E.T. Puttaiah said here on Saturday.

Speaking at the inauguration of a library devoted to the works of 12th century Sharanas at the Basavakalyan Development Board (BKDB), he said the university would announce the details of the project soon.

BKDB special officer S.M. Jamdaar promised to build a hostel and other buildings for the proposed centre in Basavakalyan.

ICHR proposes two new centres (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/142251/ichr-proposes-two-centres.html)


The Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) has submitted a proposal to the Central government to open two more regional centres in the country.

According to ICHR Chairman Sabyasachi Bhattacharya, who was in the City to inaugurate an exhibition on the Vijayanagara empire on Tuesday, a proposal has been submitted to the Ministry of Human Resources Development (HRD) for two more regional centres in Srinagar and Mumbai. “At present, there are two regional centres – the Southern Regional Centre in Bangalore and North Eastern Regional Centre in Guwahati,” he said. A proposal has also been sent to the HRD Ministry to increase the scholarships for research purposes on a par with UGC scale. Fellowships are also likely to be awarded to senior historians. The scale of these fellowships are also likely to be increased in a month’s time. The organisation is also planning to expand its activities by organising a regular series of lectures about books on history.

The exhibition of pictures, rare archival documents and maps showcases temples, tombs, forts, bazaar, water management systems and inscriptions during the era between AD 1336 and 1684. Visitors can also enjoy old photographs, rare maps and sketches drawn by the Portuguese and the English. There are inscriptions in Persian, Dutch and Kannada languages on display along with a set of photographs of Hanuman, Veerabhadra and Mailara Narasimha in Hampi sculpted to enthuse warriors. The ICHR chairman said the collection was intended to bring out the cultural variety during these periods. “Some people claimed that the Vijayanagara kings were of Karnataka origin, while others claimed they were Telugu rulers. This kind of ambiguity is interesting and we wanted it reflected in the multi-cultural nature of the period,” he said. He also said they were attempting to reach out to the general public rather than focus on academics and scholars. There are about 15 documents and 125 pictures of various monuments of Hampi, Bijapur, Bidar, Gulbarga, Golconda, Ahmadnagar, Mangalore, Bangalore, Mysore, Kannur and Tiruchirapally. The exhibition also highlights the syncretic culture comprising Sufis, Sharanas, and Dasas. The period of Vijayanagara promoted languages like Persian, Dutch, Arabic, Kannada Telugu, Tamil and Marathi. Sultanate states like Bahamani, Adil Shahi, Qutub Shahis, Barid Shahis and Nizam Shahis were also influenced by the indigenous culture and promoted the regional literature in their respective states. ICHR is located on Palace Road, near Mysore Bank Circle and the exhibition is on till March 10 between 10 am and 5.30 pm.

More reforms in Bangalore University

BANGALORE: A list of examinations reforms, most significantly one that proposes to disallow students from “carrying over” more than half their exam papers as arrears, was proposed and put up for discussion among principals from affiliated colleges of Bangalore University here on Tuesday.

Reflecting on the proposals that aim at tightening the examination and academic system, Minister for Higher Education V.S. Acharya, who delivered the inaugural address, spoke of the need to focus on the quality of the system.

Among other proposals, the reforms suggest that the university will only conduct examinations in even semesters, and the odd semester exams will be handled by the colleges.

Question papers

Vice-Chancellor N. Prabhu Dev said that the question papers for these college exams will be set by the university. If approved with consensus, and by university bodies, these proposals will be implemented from the 2011-2012 academic year.

This would mean that the university would return to the system of annual examinations, instead of testing students every semester. The proposal also clarifies that ranks and gold medals would be based only on the university examinations.

Proposal

Dr. Acharya explained that the proposal for this was mooted by Member of Legislative Council M.R. Doreswamy who had written to the Government on the issue.

Mr. Doreswamy said that this was imperative to reform the system, while Dr. Acharya maintained that consultations with various stake-holders will show the way forward.

The Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2011/03/02/stories/2011030262810300.htm)

Some firms do away with tests (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Some-firms-do-away-with-tests/articleshow/7630713.cms)

BANGALORE: No test. No interview. No group discussion. All you need to get into a company through campus placement now is a recommendation from your department.

A couple of companies that visited campuses for recruitment this year have picked up students based on the recommendations of the college without putting them through the formal selection process.

Companies like HCL have done away with the selection process in some of the top engineering colleges in the city. "We have introduced this system in 62 colleges across the country. They would be the most sought after colleges and would have the best students. All these students have cracked the entrance test and there's no relevance in conducting another test," said an HCL spokesperson.

In case there are more students than the required number, they conduct interviews to eliminate the extra. He added that in the days to come, colleges will aspire to fall into that category where companies can trust their students.

In Karnataka, 8-10 colleges were chosen for this method. "We were instructed to recommend the names of some students based on their analytical skills, attitude and academic score. We had suggested around 200 students and 193 were picked up. The departments know them better and they made the choice," said K S Shreedhar of PES group of institutions.

Similarly at RV College of Engineering, 33 students were suggested by the college. All were placed. "In our college, the company picked up the first 93 students who featured in the rank list. This is an indicator of the flourishing job market," said Venugopal K R, principal, University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE).

Another company has done away with the written tests for some with higher marks and have asked the students to attend the interview directly. The interviews for these students are, however, longer than the others __ includes a technical interview, technical-cum-HR interview and an exclusive HR interview.

The colleges say that the 2011 batch is getting one of the best responses from the industry as far as placements are considered. Many colleges are hoping to achieve 100% placement this year.

A total of 1,004 PES engineering students (781 from PES Institute of Technology and 223 from PES School of Engineering) out of 1,100 eligible students got placed in over 50 top notch IT/ITES/Product companies.

BMS college of Engineering and BMS Institute of Technology have their 921 students placed by 78 companies that visited the campus. MS Ramaiah also has 1,000 of the 1,100 registered students placed.

Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology expects a 20% increase in the placements this year. According to UVCE principal, 620 students were placed in one week's time.

"It's not only IT industry but even core companies are coming for recruitment. Chemical, civil, mechanical engineering are looking up," said N S Narahari, director, placement and training, RVCE.

The packages vary from Rs 2.4 lakh to Rs 16 lakh per annum in all the lleges.

:banana:

Chikmagalur tops schools chart this year (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Chikmagalur-tops-schools-chart-this-year/articleshow/7643404.cms)

BANGALORE: If you thought Bangalore is the best place to send your child to school, you're mistaken. Chikmagalur has elbowed out Kodagu and Bangalore Rural to top the annual state-wide ranking based on access, infrastructure, teachers and outcome of elementary schools.

Bangalore Urban district, home for several international schools and high-quality education, is ranked 12th, way behind Bangalore Rural which occupies the third spot. Chikmagalur scores over Bangalore Urban primarily in access and infrastructure. The high number of out-of-school children in the city, has got it negative points. According to 2008 child census, there were an estimated 4,750 out-of-school children in Bangalore North and South. The number for Chikmagalur was 325. Infrastructure-wise, Bangalore has more students per classroom than Chikmagalur. The Bangalore Urban district, however, tops the ranking for teacher and outcome indices.

Chikmagalur has emerged as the No. 1 district for both primary and upper primary education in the 2010 Education Development Index (EDI) put out by the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Karnataka. Hassan which topped the last year's EDI is down to 11th position this year.

The latest rankings are based on September 2010 data from the districts on 22 variables that include availability of schools per 1,000 population, average student-classroom ratio, gender parity index and pupil-teacher ratio.

While the rankings for primary and upper primary education are mostly similar among top 10 districts, Bangalore Rural, Kolar and Tumkur show quality differences. Bangalore Rural is ranked No. 2 for upper primary but ranked 11th for primary education. "There is a tendency among parents in rural areas to send their children to urban areas for high school education. This changes the equation in schools in terms of teachers and also access," A S Seetharamu, SSA senior consultant and researcher, said. Kolar, ranked 9th in primary education, stands 5th in upper primary education.

Mysore which was ranked 11th last year has slipped to 14th position this year. Schools in Dharwad have performed better pushing up the district rank from 19 to 16. North Karnataka districts--Bellary, Koppal, Bijapur, Bidar and Yadgir--have been consistently featuring at the bottom of the ranklist.

Bill to recast universities tabled in Assembly
DHNS: (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/144593/bill-recast-universities-tabled-assembly.html)

The State Government on Wednesday introduced in the Legislative Assembly the Karnataka State Innovative Universities Bill that seeks to restructure the Karnatak University, Dharwad and the University of Mysore, Mysore.

The government has proposed to bring in the two universities under the ambit of the new legislation, which brings in significant changes in the structure and constitution of the two universities.

Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs S Suresh Kumar tabled the Bill in the Assembly. The government said the proposed Bill is to develop both the universities as innovative universities in the State and stem the decline in standard of academic research.

The Bill entrusts a collegium headed by the Chief Minister with the powers to appoint the president of the university. The president will appoint the vice chancellor. In the existing act, the Governor appoints the vice chancellor.

As per the provisions of the Bill, the governor has no role to play. Besides, it proposes to divide departments of study into schools to encourage inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary approach in research activities. The Governor will be visitor of the University, and the higher education minister will be the chief rector.

The Bill proposes appointing Ombudsman for the university. If the Bill is passed in the Legislature, the two universities will be the first universities to have Ombudsman in the country.

He shall be responsible for the accountability and transparency of the University authorities. He has the powers to receive complaints, investigate and recommend the President to take suitable actions.

Azim Premji varsity begins admissions
Bangalore, Feb 12, DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/145298/azim-premji-varsity-begins-admissions.html):

Also plans to start schools in districts

Azim Premji University, the state’s first private varsity focused solely on primary education, is all set to open its doors to students this summer.

Set up early last year, the university has begun to accept applications for three programmes -- MAs in education, development, and teacher education.

All three courses are two- year programmes, and will provide students training in pedagogy, education management, curriculum design, textbook design, examination assessment, and general education training. For the first batch, the University is looking to admit around 200 students.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Azim Premji Foundation co-CEO Anurag Behar said the programmes had been designed keeping in mind the kind of skills that are in short supply in the education sector. Behar says “The Azim Premji Foundation has been working in the field of primary education since 2000. The biggest problem in the sector is in finding qualified and trained personnel. So around 2006-07 we thought that since nobody was tackling this problem directly, we should do it ourselves”.

For students, Behar feels this is a field with promising careers in the private sector, multi-lateral organisations, NGOs, and even the government. “Take the case of government sector. Across India, we have massive shortage at nearly 600 District Institutes for Education Training (DIET). One estimate is that the shortage is around 32 per cent in all these institutes,” he says. There is also a huge demand in BEd colleges and universities for qualified teacher training faculty, he adds.

In the non-governmental sector, Behar says there is a severe lack of qualified personnel in the education and development sector. He also points that the Azim Premji Foundation was itself looking to hire 4000-5000 people over the next five years. Multilateral organisations such as the World Bank, and the United Nations, are also constantly in search of programme evaluators, he adds.

Behar says that the university will provide all necessary financial support to students who are from non-privileged backgrounds. “For those who need it, we will provide continuing support on English. And for people coming from small towns, we will also help them adjust to life in Bangalore”, he says.

Applications to Azim Premji University are currently out. Interested students will have to appear for a written examination in April, followed by an interview.

Behar also said that the Foundation plans to start a few schools in select districts for demonstration purposes. “We have identified a few districts, and in the next five years, we plan to start schools in these areas to demonstrate to our students, and for training resource persons at the districts such as the cluster resource personnel”, he said.

Innovation in Placement at Bapuji B-Schools (http://www.indiainfoline.com/Markets/News/Innovation-in-Placement-at-Bapuji-B-Schools/5104706145)

Bapuji B-Schools in association withEnvision Talent Management, started the second Indian initiative in ‘Precision Recruitment’at The Bapuji B-Schools, Davangere.
In a launch event on 10 March, Dr. R.G. Patil, Director of Bapuji B-Schools, stated that the purpose, “in today’sintense competition to prove or perish, is to provide students the world classopportunities to acquire core competencies in the chosen area of specialisationas well as to face the turbulence of corporate life.”
Kailash Patnaik,Founder Director, Envision Talent Management, stressed that “Persistence isthe key”, that the gap between graduating students and the growing demandfor ‘Employable Personnel’ can only be met by the determined application on thepart of the students.
This was followed by an interactivesession wherein the audience of teachers, staff and students were provided witha glimpse of the engaging methodology of Envision Talent Management inachieving its branded objective of ‘Precision Recruitment’. The volatile,experiential launch created an eagerness in the students to realize their dreamcareers by wholeheartedly participating in the systematic, yet fun-filledprocess of capability development.
Dr.T. Manjunatha, Principal of BapujiAcademy of Management and Research, went on to record that “The facultymembers of this institute are the best with a rich blend of executive,training, consultancy and teaching experience and they can mould practisingmanagers as change-agents in the corporate arena.”
Five decades of excellence defineBapuji Institutions today. Operating more than 52 institutions in virtuallyevery field of education, the Bapuji Educational Association covers the gamutof education needs from kindergarten to post-graduate degree courses.

Bangalore University to reform culture of PhD scholarship (http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_bangalore-university-to-reform-culture-of-phd-scholarship_1520124)

Bangalore University (BU) will soon issue a new ordinance for PhD courses, to ensure that there is monitoring of the progress of the student every six months. The university recently received the approval of the syndicate for a new ordinance for examinations, and is now all set to reform the culture of PhD scholarship.

University officials said that the ordinance is ready, and will be placed before the academic council at its next meeting. Under the new ordinance, a research scholar will be expected to submit reports of progress of work once every six months. “The scholar must submit a progress report, signed by the guide, which would be sent to the professional registration committee of the university, which will be set up soon,” explained Dr N Prabhu Dev, vice-chancellor,BU, adding that the existing system does not require such regular feedback of progress, and once the research scholar is admitted into the PhD course, he or she is only expected to submit a report at the completion of the programme.

The university is also planning to restrict the number of scholars who can work with one guide. “This suggestion has come up from experts and senior professors tobring out quality research papers,” Prabhu Dev said.

Karnataka Central University gets permission to open Centre for Kannada Classical Studies
sahilonline (http://www.sahilonline.org/english/news.php?cid=2&nid=10576)

Gulbarga : The University Grants Commission (UGC) has given permission to open Centre for Kannada Classical Studies at Karnataka Central University (KCU), University Vice-Chancellor A M Pathan said today.

The centre would work on the study of linguistics, epigraphy, manuscriptology, history of Kannada in the prospective of Indian history and it would start functioning in the next academic year, he told press persons.

He informed that the university has also started a new course, MSc (Psychology), for which admission would be given through a common entrance test.

The process of filling up 55 teaching and non-teaching posts was going on and 37 posts were filled so far.

The university campus, which was being built in Aland taluk, would be ready by January, 2012

Mysore prison gets study centre
hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2011/03/23/stories/2011032352730700.htm)

All smiles:Karnataka State Open University Vice-Chancellor K.S. Rangappa giving away course material to the inmates of the Mysore Central Prison on Tuesday.

MYSORE: In its resolve to help jail inmates gain knowledge and qualify for jobs upon their release, the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) opened its study centre at the Mysore Central Prison here and distributed study material to the inmates who have enrolled in its academic programmes.

The study centre at the prison is the first of its kind in the State.

KSOU Vice-Chancellor K.S. Rangappa inaugurated the centre and advised inmates to use the opportunity to join the mainstream upon their release.

He said no admission fee would be collected and added that the deposit for setting up the study centre had been waived.

Mr. Rangappa said examinations would be held at the prison and meritorious students would get medals and cash prizes.

Anurag Behar is VC of Premji varsity
hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2011/03/23/stories/2011032361181000.htm)

Anurag Behar, who now heads the Azim Premji Foundation, has been appointed Vice-Chancellor of the Azim Premji University here. The announcement was made by Wipro chief Azim Premji on Tuesday.

Set up under the Azim Premji Foundation and under Karnataka legislation, the private university is focussed on training educators. The foundation has been working on improving the quality of education and in related development fields. Its programmes have had an outreach of over 22,000 schools and over 2.5 million children till date.

The university is launching M.A. (Education), M.A. (Development) and master's in teacher education programmes from July. The admission test will be conducted in 38 centres across the country on May 29. It is to examine candidates' proficiency in English, analytical ability, general and social awareness and knowledge of subjects, says a press note. An interview will also be held.

The new Vice-Chancellor, who has an MBA in Marketing and Finance from XLRI, Jamshedpur, and a degree in Electrical Engineering from the Regional Engineering College, Tiruchi, has been recognised by the World Economic Forum as a ‘Young Global Leader'.

No elbow room in Mysore's colleges
TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/No-elbow-room-in-Mysores-colleges/articleshow/7767988.cms)

BANGALORE: The city may be the most populated corner of the state, but it is the campuses in Mysore that pack in the maximum number of students per college.

The average students per college in Mysore (492) beats the enrolment in Bangalore (470) and is almost twice as much as what a college in Gulbarga (232) admits every year.

Figures from the department of collegiate education on the enrolment in government, aided and unaided colleges (excluding BEd, agriculture and professional colleges) across Karnataka's six regions show that, on an average, a college in Karnataka admits 378 students. Mysore's No. 1 position is singularly due to the low number of unaided colleges it hosts (38) compared to the mammoth 265 colleges in Bangalore.

Colleges, partially funded by the government, are the most crowded in the state, although their numbers are less than half of the unaided colleges. Bangalore's aided colleges admit 953 students a year, followed by Mysore (782).
Nearly 60,000 students study in Bangalore's 61 colleges. On an average, prestigious government colleges like Maharani's or Government Arts and Science College, admits 712 students a year.

In Gulbarga, the numbers are just 285, indicating underutilization of infrastructure.

"There is a need to focus on increasing enrolment in higher education by providing access to colleges and financial assistance to students. Poverty denies the benefit of higher education to many students," suggests the Economic Survey 2010-11 that studied the higher education landscape of the state.

The report highlights poor government participation in making higher education accessible to students in all regions.

The number of private institutions is more in Gulbarga region next to Bangalore. Sixty government colleges in Gulbarga compete with 146 unaided colleges; in Bangalore, private unaided colleges are upto thrice the number of government colleges.

BU proposes hike in fees
DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/148328/bu-proposes-hike-fees.html)

Students of Bangalore University (BU) should brace themselves to pay up more as the varsity has proposed to increase its fees. Colleges too will have to dig deeper into their pockets to get affiliated with BU.

Presenting a deficit budget of Rs 5.73 crore at a meeting of BU Academic Council here on Wednesday, Vice-Chancellor N Prabhu Dev said that the varsity would have to “shore up its resources” to meet the proposed expenditures.

BU expects total receipts of Rs 210.55 crore whereas the total expenditure is estimated to be Rs 216.28 crore. According to S A Razvi, BU Finance Officer, the deficit of Rs 5.73 crore will have to be “adjusted” through various means, including cutting some of the expenditures, getting more grants, etc.

Forty per cent or Rs 68.27 crore from BU’s coffers would go towards paying salaries of all teaching and non-teaching staff whose services have been regularised, Razvi added. The university would get funds under six heads of account - General Fund, Capital Project Fund, Research Project Fund, External Services Fund, Employees Provident Fund, and Endowment Fund. BU would get as much as Rs 168.49 crore under the General Fund.

“Meagre” grant

Expressing unhappiness over what he termed a “meagre” grant of Rs 46 crore for BU in the State government’s budget for 2011-12, Dev said there was a shortfall of Rs 22.27 crore. The total expenditure on salaries, honoraria, and lecturers would be Rs 74.81 crore as against the proposed cost of Rs 68.27 crore.

The budget estimates are not without some feel-good measures. Every PhD student whose annual income is less than Rs 11,600 and who has a BPL ration card will get a monthly scholarship of Rs 5,000 for 10 months. For this, BU will set aside Rs one crore.

Smart card for students

Rupees five lakh would be spent on motorised tricycles for physically challenged postgraduate students.

The smart card and e-governance project would cost BU Rs 1.44 crore. Each UG and PG student will be given a smart card that would have details of their attendance, past performance, marks cards, degree, subject-wise performance, etc. Each card will cost Rs 168.

To improve the university’s research output, the University Scientific Instrumentation Centre (USIC), will be set up.

Linux for academics
thehindu (http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/karnataka/article1556366.ece)

The Free Software Movement of Karnataka has announced the formation of an academic chapter or network.

Aimed at training researchers and professors in colleges across Karnataka, this chapter will help college faculty network with each other, and come together to organise training camps. Chaired by K. Gopinath, Computer Science and Automation Department of the Indian Institute of Science, the chapter will also work at customising GNU/Linux-based applications to suit specific course requirements. “In Karnataka's colleges, there is little awareness about Free Software alternatives. And this can only be tackled by training teachers to be able to appreciate and use these tools,” said Raghavendra Selvan, joint convenor of this chapter. For details, contact: fsmk-discuss@ lists.fsmk.in.

Volunteers boost infrastructure in govt schools
TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/Volunteers-boost-infrastructure-in-govt-schools/articleshow/7789151.cms)

MYSORE: In just three years, infrastructure facilities at government schools in Mysore district have improved, courtesy the school adoption programme.

In a kind of a public-private initiative, the government introduced the scheme in 2008 to improve infrastructure and quality of education in the district. It involves active involvement of donors, non-government organizations and corporate sectors. In the past three years, more than 80% of the schools were adopted and an estimated Rs 1 crore spent on various developmental activities by the volunteers.

In Mysore district there are 2,175 government schools, 1,005 lower primary schools, 954 higher primary schools and 216 high schools. The major donors are Infosys, TVS Srinivasan Trust, Mysore Round Table -21, Lions Club, Harimurari Trust and some individual volunteers.

The companies are involved in construction of rooms, providing toilet facilities, maintenance of buildings, providing scholarships, computers, water filters, sports equipment, uniforms, notebooks, nutritious foods. They also take care of distribution of sweets during national events like Republic Day and Independence Day.

Under this programme, the donors can choose a government school and offer their contribution. "We are getting good response for the programme. The teachers are given the responsibility of getting the sponsors for their schools. This is discussed at monthly meetings too, " said Nagendra Kumar, deputy director of Public Instruction (DDPI), Mysore district. "The scheme has helped us tremendously. The basic facilities are improved at schools and most of the students are getting study materials like notebooks, pencil, geometry box, bags and uniforms," added DDPI Nagendra.

University of Mysore gets Rs 33 cr for biodiversity research
TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/University-of-Mysore-gets-Rs-33-cr-for-biodiversity-research/articleshow/7809550.cms)

MYSORE: The University Grants Commission has released Rs 33.33-crore second installment for the University of Mysore's project in the study of biodiversity.

The state's oldest university will mainly utilize the funds towards its research project. Equipment worth Rs 16 crore will be purchased with the grants while Rs 1.25 crore is reserved for consumables, V-C V G Talawar told The Times of India.

Though some part of the grants will be utilized for upgrading infrastructure, this installment is mainly used for the research, he stated. About Rs 1.25 crore is reserved for fellowship.

The UGC sanctioned the funds after the varsity followed it up with the panel. The funds have come following the declaration of the Mysore varsity as an institute of excellence by the Centre that allotted Rs 100-crore special grants during 2008-09. In the first installment, the varsity used some funds to create and upgrade infrastructure for students.

The varsity has set up an advanced centre for the study of biodiversity with the financial assistance. The centre, a multi-disciplinary centre with social sciences and law faculties teaming with the science departments, is working to map and document biodiversity, human population, traditional knowledge and abiotic resources in the Western Ghats. The first installment of Rs 33.33 crore was sanctioned in August 2009.

An instrumentation facility has been established at the centre wherein latest facilities are made available. In all, 40 project assistants and three post-doctoral fellows are appointed to do the research while the lab has got latest equipments worth Rs 12 crore like advanced confocal microscope, fluorescent microscope, polarizing microscope, motorized stereo-zoom microscope, genetic sequencer and flow cytometer. Faculty attached to anthropology, biochemistry, biotechnology, botany, microbiology, environmental science and basic sciences like zoology, chemistry, and physics are put on the mission. Besides, faculty in social sciences like economics, sociology, political science are partnering with the centres work.

The centre is focusing on creation of a comprehensive database on biodiversity and documenting folk medicines practices, microbial diversity, geomorphology, soil and vegetation mapping. It is mandated to evolve conservation strategies for the endangered medicinal plants to explore prospects in drug manufacturing. A part of Kukkarahalli lake is being used to translocate plants from the Western Ghats for the studies.

http://deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2011/03/30/20110330z_003100003.jpg

DHNS

The Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC) has selected the University of Mysore for its flagship promotion of university research and scientific excellence (PURSE) project. The varsity is getting Rs 9 crore grants for the promotion of the research activities.

TOI

Right to Education is still elusive in Karnataka (http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_right-to-education-is-still-elusive-in-karnataka_1527341)

It’s been a year since Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced the coming into force of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, guaranteeing education to every child in the country. Karnataka, however, is yet to notify the Act, let alone implementing it.

According to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), the agency that officially monitors the Act, only six out of 28 states in the country have notified the Act till date: Sikkim, Odissa, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

“It’s sad that Karnataka is yet to notify the Act even after the passage of one year. The government seems to be least bothered about providing education to the poor,” said Vasudev Sharma, senior member of Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR).

Sources at the education department said that about `2,000 crore will be neededto implement the Act.

They said that a tussle between the Centre and state over the share of financial responsibility was delaying the implementation of the Act.

“The implementation of the RTE Act will change the face of education, as Karnataka has millions of children who are still out of school,” said Dr Padmini, trustee, Child Rights Trust, Bangalore.

Experts allege that government has yielded to pressure from the private school lobby. Private schools of Bangalore have already expressed their displeasure over the RTE Act being thrust on them against their will.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is hearing a slew of petitions by private and unaided schools, challenging the constitutional validity of the RTE Act and saying that it would not be possible for them to implement the law on various grounds.

Age no bar for these students (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Age-no-bar-for-these-students/articleshow/7847162.cms)

BANGALORE: Day one saw over 8 lakh students appearing for the SSLC exam in the state. Among these were some elderly people and some differently abled.

Being older did not make them feel any less tensed before their first boards. Along with the 16-year-olds in uniforms, were these private candidates much elder to them taking the exam with the same spirit and determination in Bangalore.

For many it was an attempt to gain that opportunity they never got in life. For instance, S Rudramma (name changed), who is 56 years old, took the first language paper in St Patrick's High School. With three children, two of them techies and one in HR, she decided to complete her education now.

"I did not get a chance to study when I was a child. Now, I am a homemaker and my children are settled. So I decided to take the exams,'' she said.

But for 41-year-old Basavamma, it was her son, an engineering student, who encouraged her to appear for the exam. "He is my teacher: he teaches me maths and other subjects. I have studied till Class 7," said this attender in Syndicate Bank.

"I asked my boss whether I'll lose my job in case I pass SSLC. I was apprehensive that I would be overqualified. This is a post meant for candidates for whom SSLC is not the minimum qualification. I decided to appear after they assured me that my job would be safe," she said.

For Akshay Kumar, who's visually challenged, the first exam was a cakewalk. He had met his scribe only on Thursday but they had no difficulties getting along. He moved to Bangalore along with his family just for his studies. With a desire to become a chartered accountant, he's all set to overcome any potential obstacles himself.

FIRST DAY

The first language paper on Day One of the annual SSLC exam was a breeze for many students. The exam, carrying the maximum 125 marks, was held in eight different languages. Of the 8.73 lakh students taking the exams, seven students __ three from Kolar __ were caught cheating on the first day. Some 2,600 visually challenged candidates, including 500 in Bangalore, will take the junior technical exams on Saturday. After the Ugadi holiday on Monday, the maths exam will be held on Tuesday.

Mysore university to hold K-SET on July 17
hindu
(http://www.hindu.com/2011/04/04/stories/2011040456680600.htm)

Mysore: The University of Mysore will hold the Karnataka State Eligibility Test (K-SET) here on July 17, 2011 to determine the eligibility for lectureship in various universities, colleges and institutions of higher education (government/private/aided) in Karnataka.

It involves 26 subjects. The university, accredited by the UGC, is a nodal agency of the State Government. Exams would be held at 11 centres across the State, according to a press release from the university issued on Saturday.

Eligibility

Candidates who have secured at least 55 per cent of aggregate marks in the Master's degree or equivalent examination conducted by universities/institutions recognised under the UGC are eligible to take the test.

Candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste, the Scheduled Tribe, physically handicapped (PH) or visually handicapped (VH) who have secured at least 50 per cent of aggregate marks in the Master's degree or equivalent examinations are also eligible.

Candidates who have appeared or would be appearing for the qualifying Master's degree (final year) examination, the results for which are still awaited, or candidates whose qualifying examinations have been delayed could also apply for the test. However, such candidates would be admitted provisionally and considered eligible for lectureship only after they have passed their Master's degree examination or equivalent with at least 55 per cent of aggregate marks.

Such candidates must complete their Master's degree examination within two years from the date of K-SET results.

Ph.D. holders whose Master's-level examination was completed by September 19, 1991 would be eligible for a relaxation of 5 per cent in aggregate marks (from 55 to 50 per cent). Candidates seeking concession in fee are required to submit an attested copy of their SC/ST/category or PH/VH certificates along with a hard copy of the online printout of their application form.

There is no upper age limit for applying. Examination fee per candidate is Rs. 800. However, 50 per cent concession would be given for SC/ST or PH/VH candidates.

Pattern of exam

Paper-I of the test will be of general nature, intended to assess the teaching and research aptitude of the candidate. It will primarily be designed to test reasoning ability, comprehension, divergent thinking and general awareness of the candidate. Sixty multiple choice questions of two marks each would be given, of which the candidate would be required to answer any 50 questions.

Paper-II would consist of questions based on the subject selected by the candidate. Each paper will consist of a test booklet containing 50 compulsory objective type questions of two marks each.

Paper-III would consist of questions based on subjects selected by the candidate as per the revised guidelines effective from June 2010 by the UGC.

The subjects

Subjects for the tests are mathematical sciences, physical sciences, chemical sciences, English, Kannada, computer science and applications, economics, history, commerce, life sciences, education, management, library and information science, political science, geography, earth science, sociology, psychology, social work, home science, Sanskrit, Hindi, physical sciences, environmental sciences, Urdu and philosophy.

Test centres

The test centres are, Bangaluru (code no. 10), Belgaum (11), Bellary (12), Bijapur (13), Davanagere (14), Dharwad (15), Gulbarga (16), Mangalore (17), Mysore (18), Shimoga (19) and Tumkur (20). Applications have to be submitted online only. Candidates are required to download the application and bank challan proforma from the K-SET website: kset.uni-mysore.ac.in. Submission of online application form has started from 11 a.m. on March 30, 2011. Last date for applying online is 5 p.m. on April 30, 2011.


Mysore varsity most favoured hub for foreign students
hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2011/04/04/stories/2011040451130400.htm)

MYSORE: International students are queuing up at the University of Mysore, one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the country, for pursuing higher education. Reckoned to be the country's most respected universities for its academic excellence, the university has become a hub for foreign students.

The enrolment of international students at the university has witnessed a steady rise in the last four years and the university has drawn students from over 50 countries, including China, United States of America and Japan. The students are pursuing undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses and research programmes. However, the highest number of enrolments is for the UG programmes.

From 263 in the year 2001-02, the number of international students has risen to 1,500. The university has set up the International Centre to extend support services such as admissions, eligibility assessment, obtaining visa extension and residential permit, placements etc., to the international students and faculty.

What could the reason for the rise in the number of admissions? Says R. Indira, Director of the International Centre: “Its affordable fee structure and ideal ambience for pursuing higher education. Many students from the Central Asia are coming through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).”

Compared with other Indian universities, the fee structure is friendly for the international students although there is differential fee structure for Indian and international students, she explains.

Significantly, Mysore city is itself a key factor for drawing students as the cost of living here, compared with other Indian cities such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai or Hyderabad, is less, she noted.

Ms. Indira told The Hindu that applications seeking admissions have to go through the International Centre, which is a single window body to coordinate admissions of international students to various courses offered by the university departments and colleges under the university.

However, the clearance of the university's Academic Equivalence Committee is essential to get admission since the eligibility criteria is verified by it before enrolment. The applications for admissions for the year 2011-12 is being received by the centre.

Ms. Indira said a data bank of the international students had been prepared to provide information to the agencies such as the police, embassies, vigilance agencies etc. The residential permit (RP) issued by the police is a must for the students to reside here and pursue the courses. The centre issues the bona fide certificate to the students to get the RP on the basis of certificates issued by the departments concerned.

The centre conducts orientation programmes for the international students and ID cards are issued with passports and visa numbers along with the expiry dates.

Centre for Kannada in Gulbarga varsity
Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2011/04/05/stories/2011040552860500.htm)

BANGALORE: The University Grants Commission has given the nod to set up a Centre for Classical Language-Kannada at Gulbarga, with a full-fledged office supported by research and secretarial staff. The centre has been allocated Rs.1.5 crore, according to an order issued by the UGC Acting Chairman Ved Prakash.

Prof. Prakash said a committee, under the chairmanship of Kapila Vatsyan, MP, was set up to examine Union Minister for Law and Justice M. Veerappa Moily's proposal to establish a professional chair for Kannada.

Pros and cons

The committee, he said, had examined the pros and cons of setting up a Chair and it consciously decided to set up a centre as opposed to a Chair for the promotion of the classical language. The rationale behind this decision was not only to maintain continuity of the programme, but also to provide enhanced support for the initiative.

Prof. Prakash said that unlike a Chair, the centre would be provided with the post of a professor and two post-doctoral fellows or four junior research fellows, with other supporting staff for secretarial assistance. Of the Rs. 1.5 crore, the centre could use Rs. 10 lakh each for a library, contingencies and travel expenses and Rs.15 lakh for conducting seminars and conferences.

About Rs. 1.5 crore has already been allocated to the Central University of Karnataka for setting up the centre for a period of five years commencing from 2010. UGC Joint Secretary Renu Batra recalled that the UGC had asked the university in July 2010 to send a proposal for establishing the centre; the latter responded on December 6, 2010.

Chartered accountants may be allowed to do Ph. D.
Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2011/04/05/stories/2011040559040300.htm)

Shimoga: The Academic Council meeting of Kuvempu University has sought the opinion of Board of Studies of Department of Commerce, on allowing chartered accountants with a degree from Institute of Charted Accountants of India, to enrol for Ph. D.

The Association of Indian Universities (AIU), New Delhi, has written to all member universities that degree from the Institute of Charted Accountants of India should be considered on par with postgraduate degree in Commerce, and candidates should be allowed to register for Ph. D.

The issue came up for discussion at the Academic Council meeting of Kuvempu University held last week.

The Registrar of Kuvempu University, Prof. Krishnappa, told The Hindu that the opinion of the Board of Studies and also that of the Dean of the Department of Commerce had been sought in this regard.

If approved by the Department of Commerce, the Kuvempu University would allow practising charted accountants with the necessary qualification to enrol for Ph. D., he said.

The meet sought suggestions from BoS on introducing a bridge course for chartered accountants to enrol for Ph. D.

Mysore University and other institutes already had allowed chartered accountants to register for Ph. D., but the response had not been encouraging, he added.

HORTICULTURAL COLLEGE IN THE ANVIL
Shakthidaily (http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Apr/06.html)

Speaker K.G.Bopaiah has said that the government is thinking of starting a Horticultural college at Madapur.

Bopaiah was addressing the gathering after inaugurating various government projects at a cost of rupees 1.45 crores at Madapur yesterday.

He opined that starting of a Horticultural college in Kodagu will support the interest of farmers and he will strive to get the college sanctioned.

BANGALORE: Karnataka is all set to get more multi-disciplinary universities in the coming years, if the recommendation by the N R Shetty Committee on Education Reforms is considered seriously by the State government.

The committee, under the Karnataka State University Act (Amendment), has suggested that the State Government should set up universities offering diverse streams under one roof to improve the quality of higher education.

Details

The idea, according to the Minister for Higher Education Dr V S Acharya is to bring about inclusiveness of all backward regions, weaker gender and rural students, with the focus being clearly on personality development and value addition.

"At present, we have more than 30 universities in the state, but among these are many monofaculty (offering one specialised stream/discipline), such as law and veterinary universities. These are days of specialisation, be it in engineering, medicine, arts, science, commerce or management.

On the contrary,law is an interdisciplinary discipline. So, while we retain the identities of the existing universities, we should also focus on creating more multidisciplinary ones," expalined Acharya.

In order to take the initiative forward, the Karnataka State Council for Higher Education (KSCHE), at the behest of the government, has planned to discuss the issue with the vicechancellors of the Bangalore University, Karnataka State Law University, Karnatak University, Mangalore University and University of Mysore.

"Our plan is to offer soft skills training and improve students' overall aptitude, so that they become the catalysts of growth and work towards harmony in society," the minister said. Developing a talented pool of human resource both qualitatively and quantitatively, according to him, is what the government wants to achieve.

Related move

In a related move, the state is also very keen on increasing the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in colleges and postgraduate courses and is mulling over setting up of a Karnataka State University Tribunal to achieve the purpose.

"At present, it is marginally above 13 per cent. In four years, we would like to increase it to 1516 per cent and by 2020, we are looking at reaching 20 per cent GER," the minister gave details.

A plan is also on the cards for a committee of members, including Acharya, who is also the KSCHE-chairman, Kannada University, Hampi and several Kannada scholars, to visit the Oriental Research Institute (ORI) of the University of Madras.

He said, "Kannada enjoys the classical language status, but I think the same doesn't apply to Kannada studies being offered now. So, we will visit the library and other sections of the institute (ORI) to improve the current scenario."

EB (http://expressbuzz.com/cities/bangalore/more-multi-disciplinary-universities-in-state/265406.html)

Rajeev Institute of Technology and Management (RITM), (Kannada: ರಾಜೀವ್ ತಾಂತ್ರಿಕ ಮಹಾವಿದ್ಯಾಲಯ),is a Private Technical co-educational Engineering College located in Hassan, Karnataka. It is one of the four Engineering colleges in Hassan City and one of the five in Hassan District.


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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajeev_Institute_of_Technology

More Pics of this college coming soon!:cheers:

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DHNS

University college to get face-lift
Mangalore, April 28, DHNS

University College in Hampankatta which was demanding for renovation is all set to receive the heritage tag and would see a face-lift in near future.

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A partial view of the University College in Hampankatta .This laterite stone structure built during the British rule in 1868, has not seen much of improvement since its establishment. With a view to maintain the heritage building the Mangalore University had submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Culture nearly one and half year ago, demanding Rs 2.25 crore for the renovation and conservation of the building.
The Ministry, as per the request of Law Minister M Veerappa Moily had in turn directed the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) to inspect the building and submit a report.

A team from INTACH with its Chief Architect had visited the College during February, 2011 and carried out the study for three days.

Speaking to the media persons on Thursday, Mangalore University Vice Chancellor Prof T C Shivashankara Murthy informed that the team has submitted a report to the Ministry of Culture 10 days ago and has envisioned the project at a cost of Rs 8.29 crore for the renovation of the heritage buildings in the College premises.

The report has proposed to develop the site with facilities like canteen, rest rooms, boundary walls etc. University College Kannada Department Lecturer Satyanarayana Mallipatna said: "Initially we had plans for the simple renovation of the College. Apparently a museum will be set up in the heritage buildings and the classrooms will be shifted to the new building which is being built adjacent to Ravinda Kala Bhavana. The three blocks in the campus-Commerce Block, Office Block and Ravindra Kala Bhavana Block will be renovated by sustaining the original structure," he said.

These pics are taken during the construction of the college.

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The Final Product!:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:
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© Government Engineering College, Facebook

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BU proves where there's a wheel there's a way
The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Bangalore/article1980809.ece)

Students at Bangalore University's (BU) Jnana Bharathi campus have always had to take long and sometimes tiring walks within the 1,000-acre campus. Soon those in a hurry or are bushed can wheel themselves over those distances. For, the university is all set to join an elite club of universities which will have a public bicycle sharing system on campus.
Pilot project

The ambitious project, Namma Cycle, is the brainchild of the Ride A Cycle Foundation (RACF). The project will be launched on an experimental basis within a month or two on a small scale. Once initiated, students who wish to use the facility will be given identity cards which they should produce to hop on the cycle at a meagre rental of Re. 1 per trip.

The RACF is getting 25 second-hand cycles from the Army on a temporary basis for free. Under the pilot project, two rental stations will also be set up at the campus. While these will cost roughly about Rs. 70,000, it will be compensated as the cycles are free. The number of cycles and stations will be increased gradually.

Cloud computing

The RACF will use cloud computing for data maintenance. The system will be such that all the details of the ID card holder who has rented the bicycle will be available on the software, which will also keep track of the number of trips made and the location of the bicycle.

Murali Ramnath from the RACF said that the foundation had carried out a survey among BU students and had received a positive response from a large section towards the experiment.

K. Manjunath, professor, Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, and officer on special duty to the Vice-Chancellor who is co-ordinating the project, told The Hindu that the project would be instrumental in cutting down traffic from within the campus. “The roads within the campus are public roads. This will help reduce the traffic,” he said, and added that students and faculty will be saving a lot of time spent on walking. He also said that depending on the success of the project, cycling zones could be introduced within the campus.

The project is yet to be formalised, and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) is expected to be signed shortly between BU and the RACF. As the university is only providing operation area, both sides are looking for support from corporates, the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and other government agencies. A workshop is also being held in this regard at the Central College campus on Saturday.

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DHNS

Three years after formation, music varsity hits the right note
(http://www.hindu.com/2011/05/08/stories/2011050860870700.htm)
Shankar Bennur
It will function from a heritage building in Lakshmipuram from this month
Education will be imparted in the gurukula and modern systems

Government yet to give approval to appoint 100 to 120 staff

. — PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM
http://www.hindu.com/2011/05/08/images/2011050860870701.jpg
fresh coat of paint:The Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University was shifted to the Lakshmipuram building on May 6
MYSORE: India's second music and performing arts university — the Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University — is set to begin its maiden academic year this month, three years after its formation.

In the absence of a campus, the university, for the time being, will function from a century-old building at Lakshmipuram. A government school was functioning in the building till the last academic year but was eventually closed due to poor admissions. The existing students were shifted to neighbouring schools.

Speaking to The Hindu, Vice-Chancellor of the university Hanumanna Nayak Dore, who himself is an accomplished vocalist, said the university was shifted to the Lakshmipuram building on May 6.

40 students

Though the university is commencing its activities in a modest way with only 40 students enrolled for its courses, the authorities are hoping to get more admissions in the coming years.

Founded on February 14, 2008, the university offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral courses.

Two systems

Education will be imparted in the gurukula and modern systems.

While the gurukula model will help groom artistes, the modern system will help students in getting academic qualifications. Residential and non-residential courses will be offered in the gurukula system. Conceptualised as a unitary university, the faculty and students will live on the campus.

Classes will be held from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The day scholars will attend classes from 10.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.

The faculty to teach courses in the modern system will be outsourced as the Government is yet to give approval to appoint 100 to 120 staff, bothteaching and non-teaching.

The reported allotment of land to the university at Varakodu near Mysore has been mired in controversy with the Forest Department raising objections.

“We are trying to resolve the problems encountered in the land allotment at Varakodu village near here. The district administration has extended complete support to us, but the Forest Department is not cooperating,” the Vice-Chancellor said.

Courses in various forms of music such as Hindustani, Carnatic, folk, light, western and cinema will be offered. There will also be courses in various forms of dance, including, Bharatanatya, Odissi and Kathak as well as basics in dramatics.

Online education

The university also plans to extend education in music and performing arts online.

The university will also focus on research and publication.

My 'ಪಕ್ಕದ ಮನೆ ಹುಡಗ' is now State PUC topper :banana::banana::banana::banana:
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Bangalore: The topper in the state in Science stream, who has secured 590 out of 600, hails from Hassan district.

Javagal Amith Tejas, who is a student of Venkateshwara PU College Hassan, seemed visibly surprised. "I did not expect I would emerge as a topper. But I was confident of securing above 580. I am really happy today," said Amith.

The first person to see Amith's results on Tuesday was his father Ajjampura Nagaraj himself. Nagaraj is working as an assistant engineer with PWD. "I saw his results through internet in my office and I was so happy to note that he secured 590. But I did not know that he was a topper for the state till I got calls from the press and his lecturers," he said.

Amith's mother Veena is working with the Krishna Law College in Hassan. Amith wants to become a doctor. "I did CET well and want to do medicine. Nowadays, every one is after engineering but I want to become a doctor and serve the society," he said.

And the secret of his success: time management in studies. He used to study at least six hours a day from the beginning. Has he any message? "Those who failed to clear the exams need not be disheartened. This is not the end of their life. They should not lose hope. And those who secured higher marks should not think they are geniuses," he said.

To make Amith perform well in exams, his family had to make little sacrifices. Among them is the removal of cable connection. "The TV was kept adjacent to my room. So I asked my parents to remove the connection," said Amith.

The entire college is happy with Amith's performance. Srihari Venkatesh Toragal, his teacher, said, "Amith was a wonderful student and he wanted to achieve something from the beginning. Today, he has made me proud."

Source (http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/BAN-javagal-delivers-another-ace-2094577.html)

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Not many takers for too many seats (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Not-many-takers-for-too-many-seats/articleshow/8449446.cms)
Sruthy Susan Ullas, TNN | May 20, 2011, 02.05am IST
For engineering colleges in Karnataka, it's a question of aplenty. In two years, the number of vacant seats has grown over three times to reach a whopping 14,628 from 4,177.

Every student eligible for an engineering seat gets it. The number of students eligible to get into the stream through CET is only 71,639 while the number of seats available in the Visvesvaraya Technical University is over 76,000.

Courses in which seats don't get filled has changed over the years.

With the booming real estate and an increasing number of infrastructure projects under way, civil engineers are much in demand. The 22% vacancy in this branch dropped to 7% in one year in spite of increased intake in 2008-'09. Ever since, the number of students opting for this course increased by around 2,000 every year. Construction technology and management which had a 19% vacancy in 2009-'10 were completely filled in 2010-'11.

Yet, supply fails to meet demand. Experts say Electronics will continue to rule the next session of counselling as well. The branch which has the highest number of seats among all disciplines (16,215) has seen a steady increase in number of students opting for it over the years.

Computer Science has just recovered from a major setback after the recession. In 2008-'09, the percentage of vacant seats was just 5. After 2009-'10 admissions, it shot up to 24%. The year 2010-'11 saw an improvement with vacancy coming down to 19%. A similar trend is seen in Information Science and Engineering. Over the four previous consecutive years, the percentage of seats vacant was 6, 8, 30 and 24.

Mechanical engineering has seen an increase of about 3,000 seats in the past year. With more core companies coming to India and the automobile industry revving up in the country, it's not surprising that vacancy has gone up by only 3%.

However, there are some branches which failed to woo students as much as the college managements hoped they would. Though 1,000-plus seats were increased in Electrical and Electronic engineering, only 20 more students joined this course last year.

The number of students who opted for Silk technology fell by half. Students are yet to join newly launched branches like Precision Manufacturing engineering which has the highest vacancy. Around 60% of seats remain vacant for Biomedical engineering.

Fact file

No. of engineering colleges in state 208
CET students opting for PCM last year 11,2427
No. of students eligible for CET ranking in 2010 -- 71639

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RUDSETI to go beyond India
Belthangady, May 27, DHNS

Rural Development Self Employment Training Institute (RUDSETI) President D Veerendra Heggade said that the services of RUDSETI will be extended to foreign countries, in association with the Minitry of Rural Development.

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“RUDSETI will be started in Asia, Africa and neighbouring countries,” he announced. Speaking after signing a memorandum of understanding with the Union Ministry of Rural Development for monitoring of RUDSETIs in India, at Ujire near here on Friday, he said RUDSETI will be started at Jharkhand, Assam and Tripura this year. Similarly, the branches of RUDSETI will be started in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir later.

Heggade said agriculture based self-employment will be started this year to check the migration of youth to cities in search of job. The Union government has released Rs 2.70 crore for the maintenance of the institutes, he added.

Ministry of Rural Development Joint Secretary Vijaya Kumar said the country has 350 RUDSETI model institutes. It has been decided to start 150 more such institutes. A sum of Rs one crore will be given for the maintenance of each institute.

Canara Bank Managing Director Archana S Bhargav said that the bank will donate a sum of Rs 5 lakh for Rudseti while Syndicate Bank Managing Director Ravi Chaterjee donated an ambulance to SDM Medical Trust.

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, ZP President K T Shailaja Bhat and others were present.


Jai Ho RUDSETI :cheers: i am a big fan of this institution

Birth pangs for Bellary varsity
Siddaiah Hiremath, Bellary, May 28, DHNS: (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/164779/birth-pangs-bellary-varsity.html)

It’s been a year since the Krishnadevaraya University, carved out of the Gulbarga University, started functioning with jurisdiction over 84 degree colleges in the districts of Bellary and Koppal.

But the government is sitting over a proposal from the varsity seeking approval for appointment of various teaching and non-teaching staff. The university has also granted permission to start five new degree colleges in the current academic year.

The Krishnadevaraya University has appealed many times to the government to issue a notification for the appointment of 67 teaching and 150 non-teaching staff, but to no avail, said Dr Manjappa Hosamane, the new Vice-Chancellor.

Also, the two post-graduate centre’s of the university are presently making do with guest lecturers. There are nine departments in the university campus at Nandihalli of Sandur taluk, while there are five departments at the Allipura campus in Bellary. Presently, there are permanent staff in only three of the 10 departments, including those at the Nandihalli centre, of the varsity.

The Gulbarga University had made provisions for appointing staff for a total of 34 approved teaching posts in the new varsity and 10 teaching posts at the Bellary centre. The government has not approved the recruitment to these posts also. It has been putting off the appointments saying that the proposal had been forwarded to the finance department.

The Karnataka Industrial Development Board is in the process of 140 acres for the university. Also, the tender process is on for the construction of new buildings for the university, using the Rs 10-crore grant given by the government, said Hosamane. He said that the government should release the grants for developing basic infrastructure for the varsity, instead of releasing them instalments.

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Folklore varsity likely to get Cabinet's nod shortly

Bill to be tabled in the special session of the Assembly

565 acres of revenue land has been earmarked for the varsity at Shiggaon in Haveri district

Scholars of six districts attended a meeting on the proposed folklore varsity Karnatak University

Dharwad: The Bill for the establishment of the Karnataka Janapada Vishwavidyalaya is likely to be passed at the coming special session of the State Legislative Assembly, Special Officer of the vishwavidyalaya Ambalike Hiriyanna said.

Speaking to presspersons here on Sunday, Mr. Hiriyanna said the Draft Bill has been prepared and submitted to the Government on February 18. The Department of Law has scrutinised the Bill and sent it to the Department of Education for their perusal. It is likely to get the Cabinet approval and be presented before the House, he said.

The Karnataka Janapada Vishwavidyalaya will be the first folklore university in the world.

Many states and countries have folklore study centres and institutes but an independent university for folklore study has not yet been set up till date, he said.

About the land acquisition for the university, Mr. Hiriyanna said that 565 acres of revenue land had been earmarked for the purpose at Shiggaon in Haveri district.

Deputy Commissioner of Haveri district has convened meeting on Monday to finalise the plan to acquire land for the project, said Mr. Hiriyanna adding that he would attend the meeting along with Janapada Academy Chairman Go.Ru. Channabasappa.

Varsity to soon introduce choice-based credit system


Revised draft has been sent to the government, says the Vice-Chancellor

Such subjects can be taken in third semester

Students can take

inter-disciplinary

subjects

MANGALORE: Mangalore University has re-revised the draft of regulations on the proposed choice-based credit semester scheme for postgraduate courses. The draft sent to the government about a fortnight ago is pending approval from the State government.

Vice-Chancellor T.C. Shivashankara Murthy told The Hindu on Sunday that he was hopeful that the government would approve it in a month thus paving the way for introducing the scheme from the academic year 2011-12.

Prof. Murthy said in reality the postgraduate students would have to study the choice-based subjects in their third semester of the four-semester courses. Once the government approved the draft regulations, the university would notify them. Even if it took a month for getting the approval, the university could still introduce it for the new batches of 2011-12 when the classes commence after June.

He said the university would have one year to brace up for teaching choice-based subjects as students could opt for inter-disciplinary subjects only in their third semester.

But the credits would be counted from the first semester of the course.

Scheme

Under the scheme, there would be a set of different subjects from different streams with simple syllabi. Students would be allowed to choose a subject of their choice as the inter-disciplinary subject from the set.

The Governor, who is the Chancellor of the university, approved the draft regulations governing the scheme on August 26, 2009.

The draft had been prepared when K.M. Kaveriappa was the Vice-Chancellor. Following this, on January 19, 2010, the university issued a notification for implementation of the scheme from the academic year 2010-11.

Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2011/05/30/stories/2011053060580300.htm)

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In a first, girls outnumber boys in private aided colleges (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/In-a-first-girls-outnumber-boys-in-private-aided-colleges/articleshow/8766831.cms)
Mathang Seshagiri, TNN | Jun 8, 2011, 05.40am IST
BANGALORE: Call it woman power! Karnataka's college-going girls have just broken the metaphorical glass ceiling and sent the boys packing in campuses across the state.

Girls outscoring boys in exams is passe. Karnataka's 295 state-funded private degree colleges now have more girls than boys on campus. For the first time this decade, female enrolment has overshot that of the male category in the state. Fresh data put out by the department of collegiate education (2010-11) shows that there are 1,02,629 girls compared to 96,543 boys in private aided colleges.

Karnataka's government colleges, too, have recorded a three-fold rise in enrolment of girls in the last 10 years. In 2001, there were 24,477 girls joining conventional government degree colleges. By 2010, their numbers have swelled to 81,161, growing at a much faster pace than the opposite sex. During the same period, the number of male students increased from 33,922 to 84,475.

"This is a remarkable success story of girls in Karnataka. Although girls have been consistently doing better than boys in II PU exams, access has been a big issue. The state government has not only doubled the number of colleges in the last 10 years but decided to make admission into government colleges free for girls, a couple of years ago," collegiate education director K V Kodandaramaiah, told TOI.

Collegiate department officials say that arts courses have been the overwhelming choice of girls followed by commerce and sciences. Vasanthi Srinivasan, professor of organisational behaviour and human resources management at Indian Institute of Management-Bangalore (IIM-B) foresaw the trend. "This was expected. We have been seeing girls making informed choices when it comes to non-engineering programmes. The world over, women's enrolment has been high in humanities and biological sciences. What we should do now is crack it to get more girls into pure sciences."

The turning point, if you can call it so, in the gender story, came in 2007-2008. The JD(S)-BJP government nearly doubled the number of government colleges from 182 to 349, pushing up enrolments. The following year, enrolment of women was double that of male students.

Best time to go to a degree college :) But engineering colleges boys will be double in number due to high fees.

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Rani Channamma University website launched

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After almost year of being declared as a university the city based Rani Channamma University which has 306 colleges under it. Number of students also are second to Bangalore university.

Website Address: http://rcub.ac.in/

The site will contain all the information related to the university right from the results to the time tables.

Source:- allaboutbelgaum (http://allaboutbelgaum.com/news/education/rani-channamma-university-launches-its-website/)

Work on BU’s PG Centre in Kolar resumes pace
DHNS
(http://www.deccanherald.com/content/167381/work-bus-pg-centre-kolar.html)
Work on Bangalore University’s Post-graduation Centre’s administrative block has resumed pace again.

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The recent protest by students seem to have done an impact on the University authorities as the work which was suspended for sometime has been taken-up again.

However, the students and staff have to wait for three months to shift there. Owing to differences in opinion among engineers of university, the work was suspended, it is said.

Sources here said that Vice-chancellor has been directed to oversee the work progress and also to pay off the pending dues of contractors.

Lack of facilities

The post-graduation centre here is deprived of proper classrooms, library and even toilet facility.

For the past 13 years, the PG Centre has been waiting to be shifted to a new building, but in vain. Early completion of the PG Centre is the only way out for them, say the university faculty here.

However, work on the administrative block will be expedited and drain will also be laid in a week’s time, said a university staff to Deccan Herald.

“The administrative block will be completed in three months. Roofing will also be done. If the government pays the pending dues, the work can be completed in one-and-half-year,” said Basavaraju, manager appointed by contractor.

Funds granted

Four years ago, the government had granted 30 acres of land for PG Cetntre at Mangasandra and former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy had laid foundation stone in 2007 for the work to be taken up at a cost of Rs 11 crore. Deadline of two years was given to complete the work.

The work was delayed initially as the Forest Department took time to handover the land to contractors in 2008. Besides, the work sketch too was provided late.

Despite this, the contractors had begun the work on administrative block. As per the agreement, the work was to be completed in 2010 but it is still in snail’s pace.

Since the contract period has come to an end, the cotractors have urged the authorities to fix the present market rate for their work. But the university failed to consider their demand, hence, the work was affected, said the sources.

Three more engg colleges coming up

The state government plans to set up three more engineering colleges, including one in Bangalore.

"We are awaiting approval from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to establish the three colleges,'' higher education minister V S Acharya told reporters on Wednesday.

These three will join the league of 185 colleges in the state to meet the growing need for engineers in various fields. "Once the approval comes through, we will mother the projects towards early completion," he added.

He said higher education principal secretary Latha Krishna Rao will meet AICTE officials in New Delhi on Monday to pursue their demand to allow Karnataka to follow the eligibility criteria of 2010 in the selection process. "This is because of the AICTE norms where the eligibility criteria for SC/ST students has been increased from 40% to 45%. The general merit eligibility criteria has also been raised to 50% this year from 45% last year, denying ranking to 17,217 students who are in the range of 40 to 49.99 percentage. So we fear that this may lead to a further increase in the number of vacant engineering seats in the state,'' he said.

TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Three-more-engg-colleges-coming-up/articleshow/8780983.cms)

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Centre of Excellence in automobile sector opens
Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2011/06/12/stories/2011061253880300.htm)

Hubli is the second city in Karnataka after Bangalore to have COE

It has over 1,000 students getting training in

17 trades

HUBLI: A Centre of Excellence (COE) for automobile sector set up at the Government ITI, Hubli, was formally inaugurated by Labour Minister B.N. Bache Gowda on Saturday.

The centre has been set up using funds provided by the Centre. Hubli is the second city in Karnataka after Bangalore where such a COE has been set up.

Established in 1957, the Government ITI at Vidyanagar, Hubli, is the second largest ITI in the State with over 1,000 students getting the training in as many as 17 trades. peaking to presspersons after inaugurating the new building of the COE on automobile at Hubli, Mr. Gowda said that while Rs. 1 crore had been spent on construction of the building, the rest of the amount would be spent on providing the centre with latest equipment and machinery related to automobile sector.

The Ministers said that the Centre was providing Rs. 3 crore to set up the COEs on various sectors in the government it is. In all, 36 ITIs had been selected in Karnataka for the purpose. District in-charge Minister Jagadish Shettar and Prahlad Joshi, MP, and several elected representatives were present on the occasion.

Objective

The main objective of the initiative is to introduce new multi-skilled modular courses as per the needs of the industries to provide employable skills adopting new training technology through building up partnership with the nearby industries. These centres will be different from the conventional ITIs in respect of curriculum, duration of training, trade testing and certification. Each centre will be a Centre of Excellence having responsibility to cater to the skill requirement of the cluster of industries in a particular sector of Industrial activities - IT, Automobile, Transport, and Tourism.

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MANGALORE: More private brick and mortar classrooms in Dakshina Kannada are bidding goodbye to chalks and dusters, and embracing smart education tools. The coastal district is also picking up with the trend of schools going in for smart classes to make children smarter.

With the introduction of smart classes, teachers in many schools here feel comfortable teaching portions in a hi-tech way, without using blackboards, chalks, dusters and textbooks. Teachers assert they find it very easy to make students understand and learn the topic with the help of smart class solutions, where computer projectors and screens reduce the burden of teachers while teaching.

Lourdes Central School principal Grace Noronha told STOI that the school could improve performance of the students in examination after smart classes were introduced last year. Smart classes are interactive which allow students to involve and participate in the learning process. Text portions, related images, clips, maps and other visual aids, including PowerPoint presentations enable children to grasp the lessons taught, very easily. "In short, teachers and students in our school enjoy the teaching learning environment in smart classes," she said, adding that the school has 38 smart classrooms to teach about 1,600 students from kindergarten to 12th.

Principal of Mount Carmel Central School, Sr Melissa and headmistress of Sooraj International Higher Primary School Sudharani, too, assert that students are more enthusiastic towards studies after smart classes were introduced.

While many schools have already introduced the smart class solutions to make their institution competitive, the number is expected double in the years to come. While there were only 68 institutions, which had smart classes in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts in 2010-11, the number has gone up to 98 in 2011-12.

Joel Cutinho, regional manager of Educomp Solutions Limited, Bangalore, which provides smart classes to institutions, said the smart class solutions will be introduced in 100 more schools in coastal districts in the next academic year. Though none of the government schools in the region has the smart class solutions, there are plans before the company to introduce smaller versions of the smart classes for government schools as well.

TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangalore/Coastal-district-catching-up-with-smart-education-trend/articleshow/8817455.cms)

K'taka mulling establishment of university for folk art


The Karnataka government today proposed the establishment a separate university for folk art to protect the state's traditional art and culture.

Speaking on the sidelines of a function, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said such an initiative would help stem the trend among youth to move towards foreign culture and tradition.

It was also imperative to preserve old art and encourage youth to take up research on folklore and other art forms, he said.

The state government, he said, was committed to preserving the state's language, art and tradition and was taking measures in this direction.

DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/168307/ktaka-mulling-establishment-university-folk.html)

Private varsity on urban planning

A private university focused on offering undergraduate and post graduate courses in urban planning and settlement issues will open its campus in Kengeri here.

The Indian Institute of Human Settlements (IIHS) has been allocated 58 acres of land to construct its campus, which will have a built-up area of five lakh square feet. The university is expected to be set up at a cost of Rs 250 crore and to set standards for efficient, economic and sustainable designs, operations and maintenance.

Speaking to mediapersons on Monday, Aromar Revi, Director of the Institute, said that they are focusing on producing a cadre of changemakers and entrepreneurs who will enter the private and government sectors with a view to developing inclusive cities and improving basic conditions and services.

The Institute has also signed an MoU with Bangalore Development Authority on planning and development challenges in the City and State.

IIHS has initiated faculty mobilisation for its Masters in Urban Practice (MUP) programme, following anticipated regulatory clearances from the Ministry of Human Resource Development.

The Institute is the creation of a group of leading entrepreneurs, intellectuals and professionals, including Nandan Nilekani, Shirish Patel, Rakesh Mohan, Deepak Parekh, Vijay Kelkar, Jamshyd Godrej, Deepak Satwalekar, Xerxes Desai, Nasser Munjee, Renana Jhabvala, Kishore Mariwala, Rahul Mehrotra, Pradeep Saxena and Revi.

© DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/168588/private-varsity-urban-planning.html)

Shettar promises Gavai chair at KUD

DHARWAD: Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Jagadish Shettar has promised to set up the proposed Panchakshari Gavai study chair in the Karnatak University Dharwad (KUD) at the earliest.

Inaugurating the Pandit Puttaraja Sahityotsava-2011 organised by Pandit Puttaraja Seva Samiti, Gadag, in Dharwad on Sunday, he agreed that the proposal sent to the government had been lying in limbo for long and successive governments, including the BJP, have failed to take the matter seriously.

Shettar recalled that it was he who first took up the issue with the then chief minister SM Krishna when he was the leader of opposition in the legislative assembly. “Though Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa was enthusiastic to set up the chair when he was the deputy chief minister in the JD(S)-BJP coalition government, he did not pursue the matter seriously after becoming the CM,” Shettar said.

© IBNLIVE

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Bangalore's Agricultural University may get central university status


© Vijyakarnataka

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TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangalore/Coastal-district-catching-up-with-smart-education-trend/articleshow/8817455.cms)

If class room is small they should go for TV (big one) instead of projector.

Belgaum varsity to connect 347 colleges through server

BELGAUM: Rani Channamma University (RCU, Belgaum) will shortly connect all its constituent colleges through an internet server to implement paperless administration.

As many as 347 colleges spread across Bijapur, Bagalkot and Belgaum districts have been affiliated to the university. Around 47,000 students are studying in those colleges. The university is taking the innovative step of connecting the colleges via internet after being separated from Karnatak University (Dharwad, KUD) a year ago.

Speaking to TOI, vice-chancellor B R Ananthan said the new system will cut 75% of the expenses being borne by the colleges. "It will also help bring discipline and transparency in our administration," he added.

The colleges, which have to be in contact with the varsity for different works, are spread in different districts. The college authorities travelling to the university even for minor works is expensive and time-consuming. "But once the system is in place, they can get their works done online," the VC said, adding they will use the internet to give instructions and send messages and circulars to the colleges.

The VC has held talks with Vikas Global Solutions Ltd, a Bangalore-based technology solutions company, for signing up an MoU in this regard. The company will impart training to two employees in each college on operating the software. The colleges have to pay Rs 15,000 per annum to the company.

© TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubli/Belgaum-varsity-to-connect-347-colleges-through-server/articleshow/8879439.cms)

Mangalore varsity begins choice based credit system

Mangalore University will be bringing in Choice Based Credit System for Masters Degree programme in the faculties of Arts, Science, Commerce and Education from the current academic year.

Addressing the Academic Council meet on Thursday, Mangalore University Vice-Chancellor Prof T C Shivshankarmurthy said that only three year PG course of MCA has been kept outside the bracket of this system.

“Though there was a plan to start the system from next academic year, the Government gave its nod on Wednesday following, which the meeting of heads of all the PG colleges affiliated to the University was convened and decision was taken to introduce the system from the current academic year itself. With this, 21 colleges offering PG courses will have the system in place,” said the VC adding that with this new system, the students following a particular discipline will have the freedom to choose an inter-disciplinary subject, based on his/her interest.

According to the system each course in a programme shall carry certain number of credits, which normally represents the weightage of a course. In proposed programme, the credits shall be based on the number of instructional hours per week, generally one credit per hour of instruction in theory and one credit for two hours of practical or project work or internship per week. Based on this, a two year or four semester post graduate degree programme will have 22 to 26 credits per semester and a total of 100 credits per post graduate degree programme.

One choice based course of four credits shall be offered in the third semester of the programme within the faculty or across the faculty. The choice is mandatory.

The declaration of result is based on the grade point average (GPA) earned towards the end of each semester and the cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) earned towards the end of the programme with corresponding alpha-sign grade. The system has been in place in Mysore University from 2008. Apart this, Kuvempu University too has the system.

© DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/169344/mangalore-varsity-begins-choice-based.html)

MANGALORE: Wearing jeans, t-shirts, bunking classes, shopping or watching movies in malls during college hours will remain a distant dream for those teenagers who joined private PU colleges this year.

Many private colleges have introduced their own dress code in campuses both for reasons of safety and to curb bunking.

While St Mary's PU College in the city had introduced uniforms for students in 2010-11, the management of Canara PU College and St Aloysius PU College have introduced dress codes from this academic year.

Prominent colleges in the city including Expert PU College, Besant Women's PU College, Sharada PU College, Gokarnatheshwara PU College and all CBSE schools with 11th and 12 standards already have dress codes in their campus. Similarly, 53 government PU colleges in the district too have dress codes for students.

While there are 113 private PU colleges in the district, only a few have dress codes in their campus. An increasing number of shopping malls and cinema theatres have prompted many private college managements to think of consider dress codes in their institutions.

Canara PU College director Janardhan Pai said students at their age would want to spend time in shopping malls and cinema theatres which not only affects their studies, but also lands them in trouble. "It is difficult for college authorities to identify students who bunk classes if they do not wear a uniform. The college has banned the use of mobile phones inside the campus and asked students to wear ID cards compulsorily," he said.

S Surekha, a student, said that she was comfortable with the idea

of wearing a uniform to college. "It wil make students more responsible and disciplined," she said.

There are few colleges in the city for religious students like Aysha Ashmin (19), who had quit Sri Venkatramana Swamy (SVS) College, Bantwal in August 2009 for not allowing her to wear a headscarf inside the classroom. Badriya PU College and the Islamic Women's PU College allow students to wear burkha (hijab) inside their campus. Mohammed Shabir, director of Islamic Women's PU College said that they have made the burkha compulsory for Muslim students in the college. "However, those who belong to other religions can wear clothes of their choice, exceptions being jeans, t-shirts and other modern clothes," he added.
TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangalore/Uniforms-follow-students-to-college-too/articleshow/8866835.cms)
I have heard that students keep extra shirt in their bag to college so that they can wear while bunking classes and visiting malls, So that they do not get caught

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International law institute to come up in Gulbarga
Gulbarga, June 19, DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/170117/international-law-institute-come-up.html) :

The Karnataka Law University has proposed to establish an International Institution in Law at Martur village in Chittapur taluk of Gulbarga district.

Announcing this at the inauguration of a two-day 12th Kalburgi Zilla Kannada Sahitya Sammelan on Sunday, Karnataka Law University Vice-Chancellor J S Patil said a proposal to set up international law varsity has been submitted to the State government through Justice M Rama Jois, former Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court.

The university will be named after Vijnaneshwara, father of Indian Jurisprudence, whose work ‘Mitakshara’ paved the way for the development of the modern justice system in India.

Vijnaneshwara wrote his magnum opus at Martur in the 12th century, according to an inscription found in the village.

The Vijnaneshwara Sahakari Souharda headed by Rama Jois has already established Vijnaneshwar Bhavan at Martur to undertake studies and research in the Hindu Law.

There is an urgent need to lay more emphasis on Kannada language and literature, in the wake of challenges posed by globalisation. This can be achieved with the establishment of institutions of international repute.

He also sought the establishment of an International Centre for Studies and Research in Vachana and Daasa Sahitya in Gulbarga district.

Speaking at the inauguration of the literary meet, Director of Kannada and Culture Ma Nu Baligar said after the Kannada language received classical status, the State government has released Rs 11 crore to all traditional universities and directed them to evince interest in special projects related to Kannada language, culture and heritage.

He regretted that although every university in the State had received Rs one crore, the Gulbarga university has not done much in the regard. “If the universities utilise the funds appropriately, a second installment of another Rs one crore will be awarded,” said Baligar.

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Another PU college comes up in Hubli

Sri Siddheshwar Swamiji of Jnana Yogashrama, Bijapur, unveiling the plaque to mark the inauguration of the new building of Adept Institute of Management Studies and Research in Dharwad.

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HUBLI: While another pre-university college was added to the list of educational institutions of Hubli-Dharwad last week, a business school in Dharwad moved to its new building during the same period. A Hubli-based training institute launched a few new programmes for helping students of the twin cities.

K.L.E. Society, headquartered in Belgaum, which runs several educational institutions starting from kindergarten to postgraduate centres in Hubli-Dharwad, added another pre-university college last week.

The Prerana PU College, which has come up on the campus of B.V.B. College of Engineering and Technology in Hubli, formally commenced its activities with a “Saraswati Puja”. The principal of the new college, Hemant Krishna, conducted the puja.

College chairman Shankranna Munavalli, Principal of B.V.B. College Ashok Shettar, and heads of other educational institutions run by KLE Society were present.

The principal announced that apart from the Pre-University Course, the college would be conducting extensive coaching for CET and AIEEE and there would be mentor's classes for students.

New building

The new premises and building of the Adept Institute of Management Studies and Research (AIMSR) located in Belur Industrial Area of Dharwad was inaugurated by Sri Siddheshwara Swamiji of Jnana Yogashram, Bijpur, last week.

Addressing a gathering, the swamiji said that nothing was impossible for a person who had dreams. B.B. Masal, Mahesh Masal, Annasaheb Jolle, N.G. Chachadi, and S.V. Hegadal were present.

School parliament

At the start of the new academic year, Sanskaar English-Medium School conducted elections for school parliament.

The elections were conducted on the lines of any elections.

After the voting and counting of votes on an electronic voting machines, the “Election Commissioner” announced that Lavina Soni and Karan Jotwani had been elected head girl and head boy respectively. School president Mahendra Singhi, and principal Naina P.C. were present.

New Programmes

Hubli-based FEAT Educational Services launched a new programme “Discover+NSkills” designed by BASE, Bangalore, and announced that it would undertake educational consultancy programme.

Heads of the institute Sudheer Murthy and Gayatri Murthy have announced that they would offer educational consultancy to government institutions free of cost to help such institutions to develop programmes to help students.

© Hindu

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© DHNS

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PhD techies can guide VTU doctorate aspirants

Now, those teaching engineering in colleges affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) and aspiring to do PhD need not worry about how to find a guide.The varsity has decided to allow techies who have PhD and are working in multinational companies to act as guides of PhD aspirants. VTU ViceChancellor H Maheshappa disclosed this to TNIE. He said the varsity decided to rope in techies to act as guides for its engineering teachers because it realised there were not enough guides for PhD aspirants.There are more than 187 engineering colleges affiliated to VTU. More than 20,000 teachers are working in these colleges. Earlier, VTU had a rule that its engineering teachers could do PhD only at those colleges that were at least five years old and had a research and development centre. Maheshappa said it was difficult for the aspirants to meet the requirements. With the new rule, he said he was sure the aspirants would find guides easily.The VC pointed out that there were many experts and resource persons who have done PhD and are working in government organisations such as HAL, NAL, DRDO and in private firms such as Intel, Honeywell and Infosys.S Vidyashankar, President of Federation of Engineering College Teachers' Association of Karnataka, said they did not have any problem if VTU allowed teachers to do PhD at national recognised institutes such HAL, NAL, DRDO, CPRI or CFTRI.However, he added that if VTU allowed teachers to do PhD from private companies, the guides' credibility ought to be questioned. He further said that on a longterm basis, PhD obtained under a guide who works for a private company loses its value. He said there were chances of irregularities if one gets his PhD under a private guide.Maheshappa informed that to become a guide of PhD aspirants, the eligible employees will need to take noobjection certificate from their companies and get their names registered with VTU. Also, they cannot guide more than five candidates at a time.

© IBNLIVE (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/phd-techies-can-guide-vtu-doctorate-aspirants/161631-60-119.html)

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MUSIC VARSITY BEGINS FUNCTIONING AT LAKSHMIPURAM GOVT. SCHOOL

http://www.starofmysore.com/image.asp?slno=28756&type=news
Captions: 1) Lakshmipuram Govt. School which now houses the Music Varsity. 2) Dr. Hanumanna Nayak Dore

Mysore, June 23 (KCU&KK)- Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hanagal Music and Performing Arts University, which virtually once went under wraps for want of space owing to an alleged land controversy, has at last begun functioning from the premises of the Government School in Lakshmipuram (the school is now closed) on JLB Road. In the first step itself, the Varsity has thrown open the doors for admission to various certificate, diploma and degree courses covering Karnatak and Hindustani music. Also included are Post-Graduate, M.Phil, Ph.D and D.Litt courses. Instrumental music courses are also included. Already over 30 students are studying in various courses. Admissions are open for the year 2011-12 with batches to begin in August. The last date to submit applications is July 13 and candidates will be screened through a written and oral test, said the Varsity Vice-Chancellor Dr. Hanumanna Nayak Dore speaking to Star of Mysore recently adding that the mode of teaching will be on Gurukula and modern concepts. Registrar Prof. Nilagiri Talwar said that achievers in the field of music would be felicitated on important occasions. Varsity Prasaranga Director Dr. N. Bharadwaj Kabbinale announced that the Prasaranga would bring out books on music covering leading singers like Gangubai Hangal, Bhimsen Joshi, Basavaraj Rajguru, not excluding folk singers and Yakshagana artistes. He added that on the cards were documentaries on various topics.
The Varsity will commence an FM Radio covering all branches of music. The Varsity website www.musicuniversity.ac.in will be launched soon, said Dr. Dore adding that a 158-acre plot has been identified at Dharmapuri village near Hunsur where a permanent Varsity campus will be started once the formalities were completed.


© Star of Mysore (http://www.starofmysore.com/main.asp?type=news&item=28756)

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Karnataka state open university pics

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© pbkdnp

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City library to be e- and free

With the increasing popularity of e-books, it is now the turn of public libraries to join the bandwagon. You can soon ‘borrow’ e-books from the Bangalore City Central Library.

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According to the proposed plan, the e-books will have a fixed issue period after which they cannot be accessed. Issuing will be free of cost and can be at any location with an internet facility.

“We have chalked out the plan on e-library. We only have to make a proposal,” Rajashekhar K Badigannavara, Deputy Director of the Library told Deccan Herald. He said e-library was a natural progression after the success of mobile libraries. Nineteen mobile libraries have been functioning across the State.

While the initiative is a first for the public sector, a private organisation has been successfully practising the model for the past ten years. www.easylib.com has been running an e-library since 2001. The website offers various books - fiction, non-fiction, children’s books etc. To ‘borrow’ e-books, one must become a member, which comes with a registration fee of Rs 250 and a deposit of Rs 500.

Each e-book will be issued for a period of two weeks at 10 per cent of the price of the book. An extension comes with an extra charge.

Says Vani Mahesh, the founder of easylib.com: “You may want to read an expensive book that you do not want to buy. In that case, e-books are more profitable as you can get them for only 10 per cent of the book price.” She adds that the site receives around 1,800 issues a month. Added to this advantage, the site offers mobile browsing for e-books.

A young reader, Aneesha Bhaskar says: “I love reading e-books as they are way more convenient than the hardbound. They are easily accessible anywhere and at any time you want to read, with an internet connection.”

Whether it is free of cost or for a price, e-books are increasingly becoming everybody’s favourite and will continue to hold sway.

©DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/171375/city-library-e-free.html)

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World Bank aid to improve engineering education in Karnataka
Bangalore, June 24 (IANS)

The World Bank will provide Rs.228 crore to promote quality engineering education in Karnataka and 14 engineering colleges will benefit from it, state Higher Education Minister V.S. Acharya said Friday.

Ten of these colleges will also be helped financially to set up centres of excellence for research in various fields, he told reporters.

The bank is extending the finances as part of the central government’s scheme of Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme (TEQUIP), intended to encourage post-graduate education in engineering and research, development and innovation, the minister added.
Karnataka has over 180 engineering colleges, 14 government and the rest private. Around 60,000 students, several thousand from outside the state, get admitted every year into these colleges.


14 engg colleges in Karnataka to get Rs 228 cr grants with WB aid
Bangalore, Jun24 (PTI):

A World Bank-assisted project to improve quality of technical education, under which 14 engineering colleges in Karnataka would get an assistance of Rs 228 crore to promote research and innovation, was formally launched here today.

Under the second phase of Central government's Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme (TEQUIP), assisted by the World Bank, the 14 engineering colleges would receive Rs 12.5 crore each.

Ten of them would also be given approval, on a competitive, first-come-first-served basis, for setting up centres of excellence for multi-disciplinary research in specific thematic areas, and would receive an additional Rs five crore each.

The central government would route 75 per cent of funds for the Rs 228 crore project secured from the World Bank, while the State government would contribute the rest.

The State government today signed an MoU with these 14 colleges with regard to the TEQIP Phase-2.

Higher Education Minister V S Acharya said the programme's objective is to significantly increase enrolment in post- graduate education and enhance engineering research and development and innovation, and to improve competence of faculty from project and non-project institutions through pedagogical training.

It would also support innovations for improving state and institutional level management and education practices and mentor the project institutions towards quality improvement and to audit the institutional performance in achieving their respective targets, Acharya said.

The Phase-II is for a period of four years from 2010-2014, officials said.

Higher Education Secretary Latha Krishna Rao said the World Bank assistance is actually grants, and not loans.

She said graduates coming out of engineering colleges are not really employable in true sense, adding, there is a need to strengthen the teaching processes, build wholesome personality of students and train them to manage stress in workplace.

While there is no dearth of funds for higher education, it's extremely difficult to find good and dedicated faculty, she said, and stressed the need for colleges to collaborate more with the industry, and take up industry-oriented research which could be put into practice.

Karnataka would soon offer combined MTech and PhD programme on the lines of the one offered by IITs and other premier institutes, she said.

It was noted that in the TEQIP Phase-I, which ran from 2004 to 2009, 14 engineering colleges in Karnataka, which included some institutions who figure in Phase-II as well, were covered at a total outlay of Rs 162.47 crore.

Karnataka today has 187 engineering colleges of which 14 are governnment-run, 12 are aided and 161 are unaided. On an average, 63,104 students get admitted to engineering colleges in the State every year.

©DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/171238/14-engg-colleges-karnataka-get.html)

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Plan to set up centre for excellence in Gulbarga

It will give fillip to research in engineering colleges: Namoshi

Once the proposal is accepted, PDA College of Engineering will get Rs. 5 crore for centre

The college has been sanctioned Rs. 12.5 crore under phase II of TEQIP

GULBARGA: President of the Hyderabad Karnataka Education Society Shashil G. Namoshi, MLC, has said that a proposal would be submitted to the Government for establishing a centre for excellence in engineering education under the World Bank-assisted Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme (TEQIP).

Addressing presspersons here on Sunday, Mr. Namoshi said the establishment of the centre would give the much-needed fillip to research and development activities of staff as well as students. Once the proposal is accepted, Poojya Doddappa Appa (PDA) College of Engineering would get Rs. 5 crore to set up the centre.

Mr. Namoshi said that the PDA College of Engineering was among the 14 colleges to be selected to receive assistance under phase II of TEQIP, which is aimed at improving the quality of technical education and infrastructure.

He said the college had been sanctioned Rs. 12.5 crore under phase II of TEQIP.

Mr. Namoshi said there was no shortage of staff at the college and 61 faculty members were pursuing postdoctoral degree courses, 25 of whom had already completed.

First batch

The first batch of students, after PDA College of Engineering gaining autonomous status, would graduate this year.

Mr. Namoshi and college principal L.S. Biradar said results for the eighth semester examination would be announced in a month.

Prof. Biradar said while the college would organise the graduation ceremony, Visvesvaraya Technological University would give the certificates.

©Hindu

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Karnataka is known today as a pioneer in IT and biotech. But its many visionaries realised the importance of education and hence it is known for its many universities which offer a range of courses. Here's a thumbnail sketch of some of them:

Bangalore University (BU) is considered to be among the oldest in India, having been established in 1886 by The British Government as Central College, and later renamed in 1964 as Bangalore University. University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE), famed for its engineers, also comes under BU.

The Gazetteer says the University of Mysore became the first University outside the domain of the English administration in India. It is said to be the sixth oldest university in India. It was established in 1916 by the then Mysore Maharaja.

Today, it is well known for its courses that range from Ancient History and Architecture to Jainology, Sericulture, and Polymer science and even a Master's in GIS.

Karnatak University, Dharwad, established in 1949, has a range of departments from Linguistics to Folklore, Applied Genetics to Philosophy and Women's Studies. Its PG Centres offer courses in Marine Science and Marine Zoology.

Kuvempu University, established in 1987, offers courses as diverse as Wildlife Management, MTech in Nano Science as well as a five-year integrated course in Applied Chemistry.

Mangalore University offers courses in Geo informatics, as well as those in Ocean Technology under its Ocean Science and Technology Cell.

Karnataka State Open University in Mysore offers distant education programmes for those who wish to pursue their academics while working or want to pursue their education after a break in studies.

The Karnataka State Women's University in Gulbarga also offers unusual courses through its distant education programmes even as it offers conventional full time courses.

Apart from these universities, there is also the University of Agricultural Sciences, which has branches in Shimoga, Bangalore, Hassan and Mandya.

There's forestry education in Ponnnampet, and sericulture in Chintamani, and the Karnataka Horticulture University in Bagalkot, besides veterinary science at well known colleges in the state.

Besides, there is the Visvesvaraya Technological Institute in Belgaum.

Karnataka also boasts of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, a premier institute, in Bangalore.

These are only some of the educational institutes and universities in the state. Private players too have played a significant part in attracting students from all over India and abroad to the state in pursuit of education, notably in the field of engineering and medicine, and in general education.

With the emphasis on MBA, private management institutes have also drawn students from far and near.
TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/education/Karnataka-shows-the-way/articleshow/9007738.cms)
Mangalore University has some research center pertaining to Nuclear research anybody name it please..

Policy on ‘Horanadu’ Kannadigas in the offing


The State government will soon come out with clear cut rules on the status and benefits to be provided to ‘Horanadu’ Kannadigas (Kannadigas residing outside Karnataka) for admission to educational institutions and employment in the State.

Kannada and Culture Minister Govinda Karjol told reporters in Bangalore on Tuesday that a meeting of top officials of the higher, primary and technical education departments, besides representatives from the departments of law and labour and Department of Public Administration and Reforms (DPAR) will be held in Bangalore on June 30 to chalk out the guidelines.

©DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/172289/policy-horanadu-kannadigas-offing.html)

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Under the system, answer script undergoes evaluation for third or fourth time

The move marks a major shift for the Mangalore university on the academic front

University yet to frame guidelines for the new system expected to be ready in a month
MANGALORE: Students who join postgraduate courses of Mangalore University from the academic year 2011-12 will have an added advantage pertaining to evaluating answer scripts. They can ask the university to get their answer scripts evaluated again under “challenge valuation”.

In reality, if a student opts for “challenge valuation” his or her answer script undergoes evaluation either for the third time or fourth time as the case may be.

This marks a major shift on its academic front for the university which recently went for the choice-based credit semester system (CBCS) for most of its postgraduate courses from this academic year. The CBCS regulations offer “challenge valuation” facility for students.

Guidelines

According to Vice-Chancellor T.C. Shivashankara Murthy, the university was yet to frame guidelines for “challenge valuation” which were expected to be ready after a month. Prof. Murthy told The Hindu that the guidelines would have to be in place when evaluating the answer scripts of first semester examinations after December.

The Vice-Chancellor said two evaluators evaluated an answer script of a postgraduate student. Of them, one was an internal evaluator and the other an external one in what was called the double evaluation. Results would be declared taking the average of total marks. In case there was a difference of 20 per cent and above in marks given by evaluators, then the university referred the script to a third evaluator and declared the result later by taking the average of nearest two marks.

For example, if the internal evaluator and the external evaluator gave 40 marks and 70 marks, respectively, it would have to be referred to the third evaluator as there was a difference of 30 marks. If the third evaluator gave 60 marks, then 70 marks given by the external evaluator (the one closest to this number) would be added to it and the total (130 marks) would be divided by two.

Prof. Murthy said if the student was not satisfied with the marks, he or she under the “challenge valuation” could apply for evaluating the script again.

The candidate would have to pay a prescribed fee “within 20 days after the publication of results or 10 days from the date of despatch of the marks cards by the Registrar (Evaluation) to the department/colleges whichever is later.”
The Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2011/06/29/stories/2011062964230300.htm)

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©Times of India

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When around 650 PU colleges across the state wound up the job oriented courses (JOC) following government's direction, a college in the city has taken special initiative to start the course again on their campus.

Government PU College for Women (GPUCW), Balmatta, is keen on continuing the JOC in Commercial Garment Designing (GCD) on their campus. However, the institute has to await government's nod to start the course.

GPUCW is one of the nine colleges in the district, where JOC was introduced. However, all colleges had to stop the admission process in 2010-11 after the 2009-10 batch completed the training.

In addition to the prescribed curriculum, GPUCW had started a garment manufacture unit, where GCD students manufactured uniforms for students in the college. College principal K Vasudeva Kamath told TOI that they already had sent request to the government through the deputy director of PU education seeking permission to start the course.

Sources in the DDPU education office said the PU Board will take a decision on the application submitted by the college and the college can start the course again once their request was approved by the Board.

As many as 60 teachers, including part time lecturers and worker teachers, were working in nine PU colleges in the district for JOC. While 41 teachers, who have completed more than five years of experience, were absorbed by the government, 12 teachers with less than five years experience were relieved from the service and the remaining were sent back to the PU Board.

Other than GPUCW, JOC was introduced in Government PU Colleges at Sullia and Maninalkuru in the district. Meanwhile, private colleges including Jain PU College, Moodbidri, Vivekananda PU College, Vivekananda Polytechnic, Puttur, SS PU College, Subrahmanya, St Joseph PU College, Bajpe and Syed Madani PU College, Ullal too had the JOC, which was equivalent to PUC
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MANGALORE: The government has plans to distribute parisara prashasti (environment awards) for schools, which work towards the preservation of environment.

Minister for ecology and environment J Krishna Palemar said the award will be bestowed on schools, which give emphasis on co-curricular activities based on environment preservation. He was speaking after interacting with students as part of the `shalegagi navu-neevu' programme organized by the zilla panchayat in association with the department of public instructions at the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Higher Primary School, Muchuru, near here on Tuesday.

Awards will be distributed to schools in association with the forest Department. The main objective of distributing award is to make children aware of environment and its protection. Eco clubs in schools should take initiatives to launch awareness programmes on the need for protection of environment, Palemar said.


The government sanctions Rs 3,500 for primary schools and Rs 5,000 for high schools to open eco clubs on its campuses. A total of 7,080 primary schools and 1,800 high schools have already opened eco clubs in the state, Palemar said, adding that initiatives will be taken to open eco clubs in all schools.

Palemar said the government has a proposal of appointing 20,000 more teachers for primary and high schools in the state. Initiatives will be taken for the development of schools with the partnership of private entrepreneurs, he added.
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MANGALORE: The Directorate of Physical Education, Mangalore University, has invited applications from eligible athletes, sportsmen and women for the award of sports scholarship under the talent identification and sports promotion scheme of the university for 2011-12.

The Scholarship carries a sum of Rs 1,000 per month and contingency grant of Rs 2,500 annually, a press release from H Nagalingappa, director of physical education here states.

Candidates studying in the first and second year degree courses in colleges affiliated to the university, who have represented and excelled in sports and games at the state, national and international levels, and are less than 20-years of age as on July 1, 2011, are eligible to apply. Application forms can be collected from the office of the director, Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri 574199. Last date to receive applications is August 5.
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Rs 11 cr for development of 594 schools


''A decision was taken in the cabinet meeting on July 8 to allot Rs 10.99 crores to provide basic infrastructural facilities to about 594 schools in the state'', informed Higher Education Minister Dr V S Acharya.

Speaking after inaugurating the new Pre University College in Perdur here on Saturday, he said lack of facilities in these schools were detected during statewide “shalegagi navu-nivu” programme. He said there is no shortage of teachers in schools across the state as there is a ratio of one teacher for 28/29 students maintained across the state. An innovative programme of super memory power is introduced in CET counselling process. At present it is only applied to hotel management, pharmacy, engineering courses and diplomas.

Under this programme the student can have the benefit of choosing the college of his choice, he added.

Stating that the educational precedents should be meticulously designed, Acharya said there should be better teaching environment with high quality teaching programme. A proposal for Rs 15 lakh will be sent to the government demanding a permanent building for Perdur PU College shortly, he added.

Perdur is one among the five areas that have been short listed as new PHCs in the district, he added.

©DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/175484/rs-11-cr-development-594.html)

MANGALORE: The forest department has plans to launch a novel initiative, maguvigondu mara, shalegondu vana (a tree for a child and a forest for a school), aimed at making schools eco-friendly and to inspire children to be more responsible towards the environment.

Deputy conservator of forest O Palaiah said the department has already identified 40 schools in the district to introduce the programme on a pilot basis. Through the maguvigondu mara project, all students in the school will be given saplings, which they should plant on their premises. Students can choose the plant of their choice by filling the application forms, which will be supplied by the department through schools, he said addressing a Vanamahotsava programme organized by the department in association with the Mangalore City Corporation and the department of public instructions here on Monday.

The department has plans of developing forests in select schools through shalegondu vana programme. Teachers and students will plant saplings in schools, which have sufficient land, he said adding that a total of 12,000 saplings have already been kept ready for the purpose.

While 20 lakh saplings will be planted across the district in 2011-12 under the vanamahotsava programme, the department will also take initiatives to grow four lakh mangrove saplings in nurseries, which will be later planted on 40 hectares of land at various places in the district. A tree park resembling Cubbon Park of Bangalore, will be developed near Pilikula Nisargadhama, Palaiah said.
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-- Udayavani

Many opt for diploma when other options becomes unviable
Like last year, the counselling for Industrial Training Institutes this year has attracted more number of applicants than the number of seats available indicating that the 16 courses offered by the institutes were very much in demand.

Kadri Hills ITI principal and Nodal Officer for the counselling Balakrishna A. said this year 1,310 applications had been received for admissions to five government-run ITIs in Kadri and Urwa Store in Mangalore taluk; and one each in Bantwal, Puttur, and Belthangady taluks. There were 922 seats in all, he said.

Over 300 applicants and their parents attended a workshop in the Kadri ITI on the first day of counselling on Thursday. A majority of them would be absorbed by the Kadri ITI, which has 400 seats and offers 16 courses.

Many students opted for ITI courses as they were left with no other choice for various reasons.

A resident of the Jalligudde area of the city, Usha said she wanted to be a teacher. After completing her SSLC, she took up a job-oriented course rather than a pre-university course, and was later told that she was not eligible to enrol for degree course. Ms. Usha said she had applied for a computer course at the Urwa Store ITI as it would be “useful”.

Saira Banu did not know that she was supposed to pay the admission fees of Rs. 1,200 and an additional sum of about Rs. 1,300 for uniforms on the same day.

When this correspondent met her, she was rushing to an NGO in Kankanady, which, she said, had financed her schooling.

But for the organisation, “we would have had to take a loan for books and uniforms,” she said. Although Dayanada K. “likes history” and would prefer pursuing degree in arts, he has opted for Computer Operator and Programming Assistant course at the Vittla ITI. The counselling will be over on Saturday.
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State plans country’s first paramedical university

The State has set in motion to establish the country’s first paramedical university. An informal meeting of a proposed committee was held on Tuesday to formulate guidelines and feasibility of the university.

The committee is to be headed by Dr Devi Shetty of Narayana Hrudayalaya. The Department of Medical Education sent the proposal, along with the names of 14 committee members, to the Chief Minister for approval on Tuesday. The government order for the formulation of the committee, which is a mix of members from the government, academia and industry, is expected soon, department sources said.

Besides the principal secretary of the department of medical education and the secretaries of the departments of health and IT-BT, representatives from the private sector including Infosys founder and former chairman N R Narayana Murthy, Wipro’s Azim Premji, Apollo Hospital founder chairman Dr Pratap Reddy, Dr Naresh Trehan, CMD, Medanta, Fortis Hospital managing director Shivinder Singh and IIIT director Prof S Sadagopan took part.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Dr Devi Shetty said Dr Sudha Rao, former vice-chancellor of the Karnataka State Open University, and Gopalkrishna Gowda, principal secretary to the Department of Medical Education, would draft the regulations for the university. “Everyone is in agreement that such a university is required,” he said.

Responding to the presence of representatives of corporate and private hospitals in the proposed panel, Dr Shetty said: “We are looking at employment opportunities for these people. A majority of the health service providers are in private sector, so they will provide inputs about their requirements. The private hospitals will provide their suggestions on the curriculum,” he said.

He informed that a training programme of the university would be held in various government and private medical colleges and hospitals. The government was keen to start the courses by next year, even though the location of the university was still being worked out. The university would not only cater to 50 streams of paramedical services, but also have courses related to nursing. At present, the nursing as well as paramedical courses are governed by Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences.

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/177622/state-plans-countrys-first-paramedical.html

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Folklore university

Acharya said Governor H R Bhardwaj has promulgated an ordinance for establishing the proposed Karnataka Folklore University at Shiggoan taluk of Haveri district. The university will have a campus spread over 73 acres. Work on setting up basic infrastructure is already on, and efforts are on to start certain certificate and diploma courses from this academic year, he added.

DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/178642/classical-kannada-centre-mysore.html)

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Mangalore institution offers PG course that trains students to become expert investigators
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With modern technology paving the way for new-wave crimes, their investigation has emerged as a challenge. And what is required is a new breed of investigators and experts having knowledge of both traditional and modern methods of investigation.

School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, an autonomous college affiliated to Mangalore University, has introduced a post-graduate course in science stream to produce such experts. It has introduced M.Sc. in Criminology and Forensic Science from 2011-12. It is the first college under the University to introduce the course. In addition to cyber crimes through Internet service, short message service (SMS) on cellphones is now being used to cheat people in many ways. The course has been designed to address such modern crimes also, said B. Ashoka, head of the Department of Criminology and Forensic Science, at the college.

Computer application

The syllabus in the first semester deals with criminal science and administration of justice; police administration and investigation; legal science and criminal law; and computer application in criminology and forensic science.

Economic crimes

Students in the second semester will be taught the science of victimology and correction; forensic science in the justice system; economic crimes of the new age, their prevention and investigation; and minor criminal acts.

Prof. Ashoka said that the science of victimology analysed crimes from the point of view of victims, compensation to be paid for victims and the like.

Toxicology

In the remaining two semesters, students will be familiarised with forensic psychology; scientific aids in the detection of crime; research methods in criminology and forensic science; and technology in security system and vigilance.

In addition, they will be taught forensic cyber crimes, their prevention and detection; forensic medicine and toxicology; forensic analysis of questioned documents or criminalistics.

The course covers practicals, training in handling guns and rifles and the like.

Job opportunities

Prof. Ashoka said that the new breed of crime investigators will have job openings both in the private and government sectors. Police departments, banks, and security and detective agencies are looking for such postgraduates.

Organisations such as Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), University Grants Commission (UGC) and Ministry of Human Resource Development have kept funds for research activities in criminology.

He said that public service commissions of many States have introduced the criminology subject for competitive examinations to select gazetted probationers of Class I and Class II.

Admission

Admission to the course is open till July 30. Classes will begin from August 1. The maximum intake for the two-year (four-semester) course will be 20 students. Those who have studied science in pre-university and pursued any other degree recognised by universities are eligible for admission. LL.B. graduates, those who have studied psychology, criminology, computer applications in B.A. or B.Sc. and other B.Sc. graduates are also eligible.

According to Prof. Ashoka, the School of Social Work is probably the third education institute in the State to offer the PG course in criminology and forensic science. The course has been introduced at Karnataka University, Dharwad, and Maharaja's College, Mysore.
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Davangere University plans special study centre

Addressing the academic council meeting of the university on Friday, vice chancellor S Indumathi said the centre would provide a platform for scholars and thinkers to exchange ideas under different schools of thought. Works of great philosophers like Buddha, Basava, Ambedkar, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther and other many other thinkers, former and present, from across the globe could form part of the study at the proposed centre, she said. A proposal in this regard would be prepared and submitted to the UGC seeking grants for its establishment, she said.

The university will start MPhil and PhD courses from September, she said. Already the university has submitted hundreds of of PhD applications. Guides and examiners will soon be identified, she said. Registrars D S Prakash, B Bakkappa and syndicate, senate and academic council members were present.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubli/Davangere-University-plans-special-study-centre/articleshow/9424397.cms

Coming soon: Folklore Varsity, Museum (http://expressbuzz.com/cities/bangalore/coming-soon-folklore-varsity-museum/303452.html)

BANGALORE: The new Karnataka State Folklore University, touted as the first in the country dedicated to folklore, still has no space of its own to operate from.
Vice-Chancellor Ambalike Hiriyanna says that the university will be inaugurated within three weeks. Its key feature will be the folklore museum which will come up across several acres.
Special officer for the university Ambalike Hiriyanna, formally announced as the Vice-Chancellor last month, is currently operating out of a rented premises in Bangalore. “We have identified the land, and the government too has approved of it. We will get 70 acres to begin with where construction will start,” he said.
On how he intends to set up the university from Bangalore, Hiriyanna said that a Karnataka State Tourism Corporation building situated about six km from Gatagodi village, will be the temporary office.
“We are hoping that the university will be inaugurated within three weeks, after which we shall start recruiting to set up the foundation for various courses,” the vice-chancellor said.
Though the government had announced that they were hoping to start the academic year from this year itself, he said the varsity would begin in the next academic year with diploma and certificate courses.
PG courses, including a Masters in Business Administration in folklore will be started a year later once they receive the clearances from various national bodies.
Officials say that political uncertainty might be a reason for the delay in handing over land. In January, a team from Janadapa Academy had visited various parts of the state in search of a place and 565 acres of revenue land was identified in Shiggaon in Haveri district.
Later, the state government announced that the land has been earmarked for the varsity. The district administration was set to transfer 70 acres recently, but there has been a delay in doing so, it is said.

Varsity to set up PG centre in Bagalkot (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2352774.ece)

Rani Chennamma University has decided to establish a postgraduate centre in Bagalkot.

The decision was taken at the fourth meeting of the Syndicate at the university's Bhootaramanahatti campus, 20 km from here, on Thursday. According to the Registrar, it was also decided to start two courses, MA (Sociology) and MA (Economics), during the current year at the postgraduate centre to be named ‘Anubhav Sangama'.

The Syndicate also approved the opening of departments of Commerce and English at Vachana Sangama Postgraduate Centre in Bijapur during the current year. Measures would be taken to improve infrastructure on this campus.

Also, the university would now allow candidates with a Diploma in Commercial Practices to get admission directly to the third semester of the B.Com. degree course.

Other decisions taken by the Syndicate included sending invitations to individuals and institutions to sponsor gold medals for rank holders from the university.

In all, the Syndicate discussed 36 topics on the agenda and took decisions accordingly.

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2011/08/18/20110818x_002100003.jpg

KSOU TO HAVE OWN BUILDING IN 10 CENTRES

Mysore, Aug. 18 (DV)- All the 10 Regional Centres of Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) will have own building within a year, said KSOU Vice-Chancellor Prof. K.S. Rangappa.

He was speaking after releasing a handbook of co-ordinators at an introductory programme of Regional Directors and Co-oridnators of Study Centres held at Cauvery auditorium of KSOU at Manasagangotri on Tuesday.

"We can conduct exams in our own building. By doing so, we can avoid malpractices in exam which are reported when the exams are held in other buildings," he said.

"It is our aim to maintain quality in distance education also. The number of those who get higher education should increase. The number of those who get education in KSOU at lower level is increasing at a faster rate. With this in view, it has been decided to strengthen the Regional Centres and Study Centres," the VC said.

In addition to getting own building, the 10 Regional Centres should have teachers also. Five acres of land in Gulbarga, one and half acres in Hassan and a big site in Bangalore has been purchased. At Davanagere, Shyamnur Shivashankarappa has come forward to spare 1 acre of land, he said adding "We have our own site at Shimoga. We are yet to get a site in Chamarajanagar, Bellary and Mangalore."

Out of 118 Study Centres, some are doing well. Necessary facilities will be provided to the centres which need them. The study centres should function in a way helpful to students. In case they do not work properly, they will be changed without any mercy, he said.

KSOU Registrar K.R. Jayaprakash Rao, Registrar (Evaluation) R. Somappa, Board of Management members Jayashree Ningaraju, Sudha Phaneesh, Muniraj, C.M. Patil and others were present.

Study Centre Dean Prof. T.D. Devegowda welcomed. Prof. Krishnadevarayalu compered.


http://www.starofmysore.com/

ಸರಕಾರೀ ಶಾಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹೈಟೆಕ್ ಶಿಕ್ಷಣ

ಶಿರಸಿ: ಮಣಭಾರದ ಹೊರಲಾರದ ಬ್ಯಾಗುಗಳು, ಭಾರ ಹೊತ್ತು ಹೊತ್ತು ನೋಯುವ ಕಾಲುಗಳು, ಇವೆಲ್ಲ ಶಾಲಾ ವಿದ್ಯಾಥರ್ಿಗಳ ಪಾಡು... ವಿದ್ಯಾಥರ್ಿಗಳ ಈ ಸಂಕಷ್ಟ ದೂರವಾಗೋ ಕಾಲ ಸಮೀಪಿಸಿದೆ... ಲ್ಯಾಪ್ಟಾಪ್ ಹಿಡಿದು ಹೈಟೆಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಶಾಲೆಗೆ ಬರೋ ಕಾಲ ಹತ್ತಿರವಾಗ್ತಿದೆ... ರಾಜ್ಯದ 5 ಸಕರ್ಾರಿ ಶಾಲೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಾಯೋಗಿಕವಾಗಿ ಲ್ಯಾಪ್ಟಾಪ್ ಶಿಕ್ಷಣ ಯೋಜನೆ ಜಾರಿಗೊಳಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ

ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಸಕರ್ಾರದ ಸರ್ವಶಿಕ್ಷಣ ಅಭಿಯಾನದ ಸಹಯೋಗದಲ್ಲಿ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಶಿಕ್ಷಣ ಇಲಾಖೆ `ಕಂಪ್ಯೂಟರ್ ಒನ್ ವೀಲ್' ಎಂಬ ನೂತನ ಯೋಜನೆ ಜಾರಿಗೊಳಿಸಿದೆ. ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು, ಮೈಸೂರು, ದಾವಣಗೆರೆ, ಗುಲ್ಬರ್ಗ ಹಾಗೂ ಉತ್ತರ ಕನ್ನಡಜಿಲ್ಲೆಗಳ 5 ಶಾಲೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಾಯೋಗಿಕವಾಗಿ ಯೋಜನೆ ಜಾರಿಗೊಳಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ...

ಇಂಟೆಲ್ ಮತ್ತು ಎಜುಕಾಮ್ ಕಂಪನಿಯ ಸಹಯೋಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಯೋಜನೆ ಜಾರಿಯಾಗಿದೆ... ಪ್ರಾಥಮಿಕ ಶಿಕ್ಷಣದ ಪಾಠ ಹಾಗೂ ಪಠ್ಯಕ್ರಮದಲ್ಲಿ ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞಾನ ಅಳವಡಿಸೋದು ಯೋಜನೆಯ ಪ್ರಮುಖ ಉದ್ದೇಶ... ಶಿಕ್ಷಕರು ತಿಂಗಳಿನಿಂದ ತಯಾರಿ ಮಾಡಿದ ಗ್ರಾಫಿಕ್ಸ್, ಪೂರ್ವತಯಾರಿ ವರದಿಗಳನ್ನ ಸಿಡಿ ಮೂಲಕ ಮಕ್ಕಳಿಗೆ ಕಲಿಸಲಾಗುತ್ತಿದೆ. ವಿದ್ಯಾಥರ್ಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಬಾಲ್ಯದಿಂದಲೇ ಕಂಪ್ಯೂಟರ್ ಶಿಕ್ಷಣ ಸಿಗುವುದರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಗ್ರಾಫಿಕ್ಸ್ ಮೂಲಕ ಕಲಿಸುವುದರಿಂದ ಅಭ್ಯಾಸದ ವಿಷಯಗಳು ಅಚ್ಚಳಿಯದೇ ಉಳಿಯುತ್ತವೆ ಅನ್ನೋದು, ಯೋಜನೆಯ ಆಶಯ...

ಗ್ರಾಮೀಣ ಭಾಗದ ಸಕರ್ಾರಿ ಶಾಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಈ ಯೋಜನೆಯನ್ನ ಪ್ರಾಯೋಗಿಕವಾಗಿ ಜಾರಿಗೊಳಿಸಿರೋದು, ವಿದ್ಯಾಥರ್ಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಸಂತಸ ಮೂಡಿಸಿದೆ.

ಈ ನೂತನ ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞಾನ ಬಳಸಲು ಶಾಲೆಯ ಶಿಕ್ಷಕರಿಗೆ 8 ದಿನಗಳ ಕಾಲ ತರಬೇತಿಯನ್ನೂ ನೀಡಲಾಗಿದೆ... ರಾಜ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಯೋಗಾತ್ಮಕವಾಗಿ 5 ಶಾಲೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಯೋಜನೆ ಜಾರಿಯಾಗಿದ್ದು, ಯಶಸ್ವಿಯಾದರೆ ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಎಲ್ಲ ಸಕರ್ಾರಿ ಶಾಲೆಗಳಿಗೂ ಯೋಜನೆ ವಿಸ್ತರಿಸುವ ಉದ್ದೇಶವಿದೆ...

-ಗಣಪತಿ ಈರಗೊಪ್ಪ

http://www.suvarnanews.tv/karnataka/428-govt-schools-give-hitech-education

Laurus Edutech to take charge of its HRD Centers at Mangalore and Chitradurga. (http://www.indiainfoline.com/Markets/News/Laurus-Edutech-to-take-charge-of-its-HRD-Centers-at-Mangalore-and-Chitradurga./5227458313)

India Infoline News Service / 15:50 , Aug 23, 2011

KVTSDC attempts to link the complete chain of training, skilling and placement is in the right direction.
The Karnataka Vocational Training and Skill Development Corporation, a body of the Government of Karnataka, as a pilot pioneered the opportunity of working with the private partners on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode for the private players to adopt and operate its HRD centres. In this partnership, they would adopt Human Resource Development (HRD) centers which act as the employment exchanges in terms of opportunities at the district levels.

As part of this initiative to setup these HRD centers in a PPP mode, KVTSDC called for bids from various private players and a few who have been short listed have been provided specific districts to setup these centers and kick start the HRD centre operations. Laurus Edutech, one of the leading skill development companies who participated in the process won the bid to take charge of two HRD Centers, one in Mangalore and the other in Chitradurga. While the Mangalore is an existing HRD Centre which Laurus Edutech will take control, the Chitradurga is a Greenfield and will be established soon.

KVTSDC has a target and identified 10 HRD centers to be provided under PPP after seeing success last year with its idea of toying HRD centres in this mode, where the center infrastructure, database of people is all provided to the private partner. The private partner who brings in their best processes, practices and other systems would take over the management of day to day operations of the HRD centre and collaborate, work with KVTSDC to ensure the objectives and goals of the centers are duly met.

Mr. Srinivas Rao Cheedella, Managing Director of Laurus Edutech, said that “This is a unique initiative of KVTSDC and their attempt to link the complete chain of training, skilling and placement is in the right direction. This initiative is bringing in the PPP concept that has been the key driver across several of government initiatives with an attempt to bring in the private players to assume some of the responsibilities.”

“Further as one of the leading skill development companies with a strong presence in Karnataka, these two centers of Mangalore and Chitradurga would help us solicit all potential employment seeking youth and assess, counsel and take responsibility of grooming and making them more employable and getting them connected with potential employers and this is an exciting opportunity that we are looking forward to,” added Mr. Cheedella.

Yoga may become part of school curriculum in Karnataka

Schoolchildren in a few taluks of Karnataka may soon have an addition to their curriculum, Yoga, as the state government is planning to introduce it in schools to improve students’ health.
GN Sreekantaiah, director, Department of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (Ayush), announced this at a press meet on Thursday.

He said that each taluk that had been selected — Hiriyur, Challakere, Jagalur, Muddebihal — has around 200 schools, private as well as government. He added that Yoga would be taught to students of classes VII to X. Sreekantaiah said that to begin with, Ayush was planning to teach Yoga to a few teachers from these schools.

He said practising Yoga made one immune to diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Further pointing out its benefits, he said it improved one’s physical and mental health.

The director claimed that Ayush was now equipped to tackle and control anaemia. He said the department would launch a pilot project where anaemic students would be treated. Further, he said, the students would be monitored scientifically and information about it would be released later.

Students for this pilot project would be selected from five-six schools each from Hassan, Gadag, Bangalore and Mysore districts, he added.

Sreekantaiah pointed out that intake of drumstick and amla is the best way to combat anaemia as these items are rich in iron, Vitamin A and reduce constipation.

http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_yoga-may-become-part-of-school-curriculum-in-karnataka_1579883

Guv sends 'innovative varsities' bill back to State


The State government’s plans to convert Mysore and Karnatak universities into innovative varsities has received a setback with Governor H R Bhardwaj returning the Karnataka State Innovative Universities Bill, 2011, back to the government.

The governor, who is also chancellor of all universities in the State, has objected to the procedure in the bill for selecting the vice-chancellor, stating that it went against University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations.

The Department of Parliamentary Affairs and Legislation, which received the bill from Raj Bhavan, has now sent the same to the President of India for consideration.

The governor, who is also the chancellor, heads the State universities as per the provisions under the Karnataka State Universities Act, 2000. The governor appoints the vice-chancellor. But in case of the proposed innovative universities, there will be no such post as chancellor and the governor has no role to play.

The bill vests a collegium headed by the chief minister with powers to appoint the ‘president’ of the university. The president will appoint the vice-chancellor. The president will be the head of the university and vice-chancellor his subordinate.

Besides the chief minister, the collegium will comprise the leader of the opposition in the State Legislative Assembly, Speaker, chief justice of Karnataka or his nominee not below the rank of a sitting judge of the High Court and the minister for higher education.

The presidential candidate should be an eminent person who has attained excellence in the field of education, educational research, industry, judiciary or in such professions. The term of the president will be five years and he or she will not be eligible for re-appointment.

In fact, the governor has objected to these provisions in the bill. He has stated that the provisions are in violation of the UGC regulations. The bill was passed in both houses of legislature in June this year without debate and in the absence of opposition members.
The entire opposition had boycotted the session in support of their demands seeking the resignation of Speaker K G Bopaiah following the Supreme Court passing strictures against him in the disqualification of 16 legislators.

The said proposals in Innovation University Bill were first mooted by an “Expert Committee on Reforms and Rejuvenation of Universities of Mysore and Karnatak” constituted by the Karnataka Knowledge Commission (KKC).

 In May this year, the members of the committee alongwith KKC Chairman K Kasturirangan, Chief Secretary S V Ranganath and Chief Economic Adviser to the chief minister K V Raju had met the governor to apprise him of the features of the bill.
The governor had suggested a few modifications and had expressed his support in seeing the legislation through, it is learnt.

The bill proposed to divide departments of study into schools to encourage inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary approach in research activities. It also proposed appointment of ombudsman for the universities, a first for the State universities. The ombudsman will oversee accountability and transparency in the universities, receive complaints, grievances and recommend action to the president.

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/186600/guv-sends-innovative-varsities-bill.html

UGC to declare BU's fate in September

An expert team from the University Grants Commission (UGC), which was in the city for the past three days, has gathered information it needed to decide on awarding Bangalore University a 'University with Potentiality for Excellence' tag.

A nine-member team, comprising three vice-chancellors from universities outside Karnataka and other members designated by UGC, was in the BU and evaluated the research work done by the departments. The university officials said: "The team will announce the results on September 7."

Few months ago, the BU had applied to the UGC to avail benefits under 'University with Potentiality for Excellence'. Earlier, the visit was scheduled for January, but was delayed and the team finally arrived in Bangalore on August 24.

Under this scheme, the UGC will provide Rs 50 crore financial assistance to select universities. From Karnataka, the commission has shortlisted Mysore University, Karnatak University, Dharwad, and Bangalore University.

If the BU proves its eligibility under the scheme, it can manage to pay one year's salaries to all its employees with the grant money. "If we get Rs 50 crore under the scheme, we will be able to manage one year's salary for the entire staff," said an official.

Under the scheme, UGC will release funds in two sets: Rs 15 crore for research projects and Rs 35 crore for developmental works of the university.

"The team members visited all departments and evaluated the research work and projects done by the faculty. The report prepared by the team will be submitted to the UGC and at a meeting scheduled for September 7, we will get to know the results," said the official.

http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/BAN-ugc-to-declare-bus-fate-in-september-2385167.html

Karnataka’s Biotech Finishing Schools to open up for admission in early September

Nandita Vijay, Bangalore
Monday, August 29, 2011, 08:00 Hrs [IST]
Karnataka’s Biotech Finishing Schools are slated to open up for admission next month. The state has 10 schools of which two are in the Tier II cities and remaining 8 in the metros. The government chipped in with a financial assistance of Rs.1 crore to procure equipment for the laboratory to be established in the finishing school and the college identified to house the Biotech Finishing School had to invest Rs.3 crore to create the required infrastructure.


The criterion for selection is that the candidate should be armed with Bachelor or Master Degree in Bio-Technology/Bio-Science, Agriculture/Veterinary Science/B.Pharma/M. Pharma/MBBS. There are also opportunities for the engineering graduates (BE/B. Tech) in Chemical Engineering/Biotechnology/Bio Medical. The student is required to have a minimum 50 per cent marks to seek admission.


The biotech finishing schools concept came following repeated requests from the industry which faced the challenge of severe shortage of industry-ready graduates and post graduates. There were repeated representations to the government and after several rounds of discussion with the members of the Vision Group on Biotechnology and the Association of Biotechnology Led Entrepreneurs (ABLE), the government went ahead to clear the same.


“This is pioneering initiative from the state government. We have devised a model where each of the Finishing Schools has an industry partner. Of the 10 Finishing Schools, two are in the Tier II cities at the Vishweshwaraiah College of Applied Sciences in Gulbarga and M M Arts and Science College, Uttara Kannada which proves the capability and ambition of both the college and the candidate, stated Prof. H Sharat Chandra, Professor Emeritus, Indian Institute of Science; Bangalore and director, Centre for Human Genetics and member Vision Group on Biotechnology on Karnataka.


The remaining eight schools are at Probiosys, Bangalore; PES Institute of Technology, Bangalore; JSS College of Arts, Commerce and Science, Mysore; St. Aloysius College, Mangalore; Padmashree Institute of Management and Sciences, Bangalore; The Oxford College of Science, Bangalore; Maharani Lakshmi Ammanni College of Women, Bangalore and Siddaganga Institute of Technology, Tumkur.


The academic institutions were selected after they sent in a proposal detailing the syllabus, faculty and infrastructure available for the programme to be conducted. The final selection was made by a sub-committee of the Vision Group on Biotechnology.


The duration of the course is one year and the candidate will have six months of industry internship. The BT Finishing Schools will have to seek recognition from ABLE and accreditation from a recognized University. In fact, the Association would monitor the functioning of the BT Finishing School and assess it on a regular basis once in two years.


There are 10 domains of specialization identified covering fermentation and bioprocessing, cellular and molecular diagnostics, protein expression & scale up, biosensors & medical devices, nutraceuticals and food processing, plant genetic transformation, genome, seed & marker analysis, bioinformatics & rational drug design, pre-clinical, clinical research, biostatistics and data management, plant tissue culture and micro propagation.


“The subject offerings have been selected to meet the requirements of the industry. It will have an impact on the employability of graduates and bridge the gap of industry-ready candidates,” said Prof Chandra.

Source (http://www.pharmabiz.com/NewsDetails.aspx?aid=64751&sid=1)

AKASH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Devanahalli,
Near International Airport
Bangalore Rural District

http://www.akashinternationalschool.com/images/img-3.jpg

Virtual Tour link: http://www.akashinternationalschool.com/virtual_tour.html

Source (http://www.akashinternationalschool.com/index.html)

^^looks like vidhan soudha's copy.. probably a mini vidhan soudha for politicians' kids to nurture and hone them to loot the country further..:lol::nuts:

MANGALORE: The Department of Pre University Education has been raking in the moolah through its revaluation process.

RTI applicant CS Shastry, who runs a photostat shop at Darbe, Puttur, found that the department has earned Rs 3.33 crore for providing photocopy of answerscripts, revaluation and re-totalling in 2011.

Of the total number of applications for revaluation, which was 9,459 for 15,058 scripts, only 2,114 scripts were six marks higher or lower than the tabulated marks. As the department refunds amount for applicants who got more than six marks, it refunded Rs 14.34 lakh to applicants.

The department had received 32,251 applications for 60,544 scripts in total for all types of process. The PU board charges Rs 420 for a photocopy, Rs 1,050 for revaluation and Rs 280 for re-totalling.

From just photocopy applications, which were 44,318, the department received Rs 1.8 crore, followed by Rs 1.58 crore from 15,058 revaluation and Rs 3.27 lakh from re-totaling applicants, which is Rs 3.47 crore.

Of the total number of scripts for revaluation, only 2,114 were either +6 or -6 than the tabulated marks, hence the department had to refund the amount for applicants who had got more than six marks.

In the subject-wise count, photocopying applications, not surprisingly Mathematics received the highest number at 12,216, followed by Physics (8,456), Chemistry (7,815) and Biology (5,182). English also received 3,499 applications and Kannada 1,630. For revaluation the figures were Maths (2,987), Chemistry (2,271), Physics (2,244), Biology (1,683) followed by English at 1,504.

In re-totalling the figures were Maths (226), Chemistry (185), Physics (184) and Biology at 114.

Shastry's query on the actual cost of revaluation and re-totaling has not elicited any reply from the department. Shastry said SSLC answerscript photocopy costs just Rs 24. ''Why is the PU board charging Rs 420? What's the rationale behind this and exorbitant fee for all other process," he questions.
http://profile.cc.fbcdn.net/hprofile-cc-snc4/203491_26781952138_8365597_q.jpg (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangalore/Revaluation-is-big-biz-for-PU-board/articleshow/9840267.cms)

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2011/09/08/20110908x_002100007.jpg

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2011/09/08/20110908y_002100006.jpg

http://www.vijaykarnatakaepaper.com/pdf/2011/09/10/20110910a_010101002.jpg

http://www.vijaykarnatakaepaper.com/

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http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2011/09/14/20110914d_002100005.jpg

Bifurcation of Bangalore University soon?

The Bangalore University (BU) might be bifurcated sooner than expected.

Sources told Express that talks on bifurcation of BU are on and the actual process may see the light of day within the term of Vice- Chancellor Dr N Prabhu Dev, who is opposing this move. The first thoughts of separating BU came in 2009, when a report by N Rudraiah Committee was submitted to the then Higher Education Minister Arvind Limbavali.

While N Rudraiah’s report talked about trifurcation of BU, another committee was formed by the Higher Education Council to look at it alternatively.

Bangalore University has more than 650 colleges affiliated to it.”Trifurcation of the university would be too expensive a process, which suggested that each of the three units covered 200 or so colleges.

Some of the Syndicate members suggested a bifurcation, with only 2 divisions, each covering 300 colleges,” said K Narahari, a member of the second committee formed by the Higher Education Council.

According to sources, BU is likely to be bifurcated into two universities - Bangalore South and Bangalore North.

Narahari’s report suggested that Bangalore South University should cover around 290 colleges in Ramanagaram, Bangalore (South) and Anekal.

On the other hand, Bangalore North University will cover around 320 colleges in K R Puram, Bangalore (North), Chikballapur and Kolar districts.

“In my report, I recommended that the centre for Bangalore South should be Jnana Bharathi, while Central College should be the centre for Bangalore North,” said Narahari.

“Rudraiah’s report was criticised that it was number-based. Our report looked at infrastructure as well. As we know, Jnana Bharathi and Central College premises are spacious and have good infrastructure,” he observed.

Prof K V Acharya, a Syndicate member, said that decentralisation would facilitate an efficient management system. “According to National Knowledge Commission (NKC), the country needs 1,500 more universities. This will increase the percentage of students going to universities to 35% from the existing 12-13%,” he said.

Prof Acharya added that “perverted efforts” were on to reduce the number of colleges affiliated under BU to reduce the need for bifurcation. A source told The New Indian Express that even CM D V Sadananda Gowda has shown interest in the bifurcation of BU. When contacted, Vice- Chancellor Dr N Prabhu Dev refused to talk about it. “Nobody has discussed anything with me and I do not know anything,” he said.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/bifurcation-of-bangalore-university-soon/191573-60-119.html

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2011/10/19/20111019aE007100011.jpg

Higher Education Minister V.S. Acharya said on Saturday that Karnataka was the most preferred educational destination in the country. He was releasing “Shikshana Kranti”, a book by T.R. Gopalakrishna, at the Press Club here.

Dr. Acharya said that the State government had spent Rs. 10,500 crore on education in the last fiscal year. This year, it would spend Rs. 12,500 crore.

There were 1.5 crore students in the State. The gross enrolment ratio in higher education courses had seen a steady increase. The State was topping the country in the knowledge sector.

Karnataka was among the first in the country to establish a Knowledge Commission headed by K. Kasturirangan. The government was following the periodic recommendations given by the Karnataka State Higher Education Council. The government was giving priority to developing soft skills among the students to improve their potential of getting jobs. Programmes aimed at developing soft skillsamong students such as “Angala”, “Sahyog”, and “Manavata” were going on in the State for the past three years. Writer H. Gopala Bhatta, principal of Poornaprajna College K. Sadashiva Rao, and former principal S.L. Karnik were present.

The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/article2564727.ece)

Indian varsities no magnets for foreign students


MUMBAI: Every year, close to 1.5 lakh Indian students sign out of the domestic education sector to pursue a foreign degree. The counter-flow, however, is nothing to write home about, with the intake of students from abroad to India plateauing in recent years.

A head count of foreign students taken by the HRD ministry for 2008-09 showed that the enrollment of international students in Indian varsities was up by a modest 500 to touch 21,778. This barely conspicuous increase took place at a time when the foreign student population in universities across the world was growing at the frenetic pace of 65 per cent since 2000.

Modest or otherwise, where are the international candidates coming to India heading? A study by Beena Shah and Usha Rai Negi from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) shows they are mostly going southwards: five of the top ten most popular universities hosting foreign students are in the southern states, deemed universities included.

AIU's data shows that most foreign students signed up for distance education courses at Delhi's Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). When it came to full-time programmes, however, they preferred going to smaller towns, where the cost of living was within their means, like Pune.

The University of Pune and Symbiosis University together make this city in Maharashtra home to the largest contingent of international students. "We have built special hostels for foreign students and established a centre catering to them, with a liaison officer for international students," says ex-Pune university vice-chancellor R V Shevgaonkar.

The Pune varsities also participated in several international education fairs throughout the year, selling the 'Oxford of the East' concept to many a West Asian.

Pune University slips

However, Pune University, which used to top the charts at one time, slipped to the number two spot in 2007-08. IGNOU stole a march over it after it jettisoned its earlier patchy approach, where students had to approach several counters to get information, and instead designed special information booklets for foreign students with handy data. An international students division came up two years ago.

With close to 1,500 international students, the rather young Mysore University has also scored in the game, attracting students from Asia and Africa. R Indira, director of the varsity's International Centre, says, "We also have a lot of Chinese students coming down as part of twinning programmes. Currently there are about 100 Chinese students pursuing both undergraduate and post-graduate studies." Iran sent the highest number of foreign students to this university (388 students now), besides Afghanistan and Tanzania.

At the Mysore University campus, most international students pursue commerce, followed by a Bachelor's in business management and computer science. "Life for a student is relatively inexpensive because Mysore is a small city. Although we charge a higher fee for international students, it cannot by any stretch of the imagination be termed even expensive, forget exorbitant," says Indira.

Apart from Pune's Symbiosis, Manipal, another deemed university, has been maintaining a steady flow of international students. K Ramnarayan, VC of Manipal University, says that nearly half its international students are from Malaysia. "We have had a long-standing relationship with Malaysia, and the health sciences programme that we offer is recognised by the Malaysian government," he says. "This provides us an edge in drawing students from that country. A good number of students come from the US and Canada because of the twinning programmes we have been offering."

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-10-27/news/30327750_1_international-students-foreign-students-chinese-students

Guys,
I am not sure if you have heard about the world class business school (MyRA - Mysore Royal Academy) in Mysore. It seems, it was started early 2010 and has world renowned achievers as its faculty.

Just take a look at their website and it is worth reading their curriculum as they say, is totally different than what is being taught elsewhere.

it is interesting to see how Mysore, once known for its salubrous climate and laid back life style is slowly but surely becoming business city with reputed companies and Institutes.

regards

http://myra.ac.in/faculty-and-research.

PS:- Also look at an article that appeared in Indian express mumbai edition regarding Nasscom 2.0 event held in Mysore.

http://is.rd/whtC0F

MYRA is under construction will update pics later :cheers:

http://myra.ac.in/wp-content/gallery/roundtable/myra1.jpg

http://myra.ac.in/wp-content/gallery/roundtable/myra2.jpg

http://myra.ac.in/wp-content/gallery/roundtable/myra8.jpg

http://myra.ac.in/wp-content/gallery/roundtable/myra9.jpg

MYRA School of Business,
Near Infosys, Opp Power Grid, Koorgalli, Mysore - 571186

:cheers:

:cheers:

Concorde International School,Mandya

http://www.concordegroup.in/images/Projects/proposed_projects/mandya_school/Gallery/01.jpg

http://www.concordegroup.in/Projects/proposed_projects/index.htm

Premji to start two free schools in every district (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=CAP/2011/10/30&PageLabel=5&EntityId=Ar00404&ViewMode=HTML)
Hemali Chhapia & Sruthy Susan Ullas TNN

Mumbai/ Bangalore: After chipping in for the country’s educational system for a decade, the Azim Premji Foundation (APF), run by the third richest Indian on his own money, is all set for a generous initiative. The foundation plans to start 1,300 schools across the country— two per district — which will be free, impart education in the local language and be affiliated to the state board.
If the idea succeeds, it could shame India’s dysfunctional public education system — and perhaps inspire other wealthy tycoons to look beyond their personal status-building. The APF schools, from preschool to class 12, will be on the lines
of government ones. The difference will be in quality. “Quality education is fundamental to our becoming a developed nation. And the final crucible of learning is the classroom,” says Azim Premji.
First of the 1,300
Karnataka will get the first two Azim Premji Foundation schools—one each
in Yadgir and Koppal districts, which have the poorest literacy rates in the state. Work is also on for schools in Tonk and Sirohi in Rajasthan, Uttarkashi and Rudrapur in Uttarakhand and Dhamtari in Chhattisgarh. These are expected in a year and half. School project to cost Premji Trust 9k cr
Mumbai/ Bangalore:
The idea of starting 1,300 schools came after the Azim Premji Foundation recently reviewed its work from 2001, the year in which it was set up.
“We felt the need to graduate from programme interventions to institution-building,” says Dileep Ranjekar, APF's CEO. “One of our ideas was to set up a separate educational board like the ICSE/ CBSE. But most of us...felt that change would be better felt and seen by actually setting up schools.”
Those associated with the planning of this Rs 9,000-crore project say that the schools will focus on the overall development of their students, including their health and nutrition. “The attempt is also to establish schools in corners that are currently educationally under-served and not to compete with existing schools, whether public or private,” says Ranjekar, adding that seven schools will start within a year-and-a-half in Karnataka, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh. If things go as forecast, all the 1,300 schools should be up and running by 2025.
The aim behind the schools is two-pronged. “One is to build social pressure for other schools to follow suit and provide quality education. Two, we want to test ourselves, understand what it takes to deliver quality teaching and learning. One cannot tell the world to improve unless one actually leads by example,” says Ranjekar.
A focal aim of the foundation is to get each school to evolve, over time, as a development centre integrated with the community. Thus, the schools will be staffed with teachers from the rural areas, but appointed after written tests and an interview.
“Emphasis will be placed on their expertise in the subject, their understanding of pedagogy and their social orientation. Parents of the children will be important partners in the process of development,” says Ranjekar.
every district in whole country

Jindal to donate Rs. 100 cr. to BU

Bangalore University's ambitious project, the Bangalore School of Economics (BSE), has inched closer to becoming a reality. University Vice-Chancellor N. Prabhu Dev, on Sunday, announced that Jindal Aluminium Ltd., Bangalore, has agreed to contribute Rs. 100 crore to the university for establishing the institution.

It may be recalled that the initial sum offered by the company was Rs. 10 crore. Speaking to The Hindu here, Dr. Prabhu Dev said that the sum would be used to create an international campus, complete with an international-standard hostel and international faculty.

“The core study group chaired by me and the co-chairman T.V. Mohandas Pai has prepared the draft. Jindal Aluminium Managing Director S.R. Jindal was impressed with our proposal and decided to contribute Rs. 100 crore,” he said.

However, one of the conditions was that the school be named Dr. Sitaram Jindal School of Economics. It was agreed to, he said.

Another clause was that the proposed school will be an autonomous body on the pattern of the London School of Economics or the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad. Asked how the university would be involved in the institute, he said, “In the beginning, it will be similar to the way some autonomous colleges are functioning under the university. Subsequently, it may even be made a deemed university.”

The university will provide the required land on the Jnana Bharathi campus for construction of the new academic building for the school. As announced, the four-year B.S. course will be offered in the school similar to courses offered by the London School of Economics. The project will take five years to be ready.

Another condition was that a report of annual activities is to be sent to the company every June, and that five poor but meritorious students recommended by the company to be admitted to the course.

The final report will be ready by November 10 and submitted to the Governor and Chancellor of the university.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2583736.ece

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2011/11/03/20111103d_002100001.jpg

Any news on Rajeev gandhi university, Ramanagaram ?

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2011/11/06/20111106a_008100006.jpg

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VTU fixes leakage problem, digitises question papers

In a bid to ensure that there is no scope for question papers to be leaked, Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) has turned to technology.

There will be 100-200 question papers for each subject, which will be uploaded on a secure server. It is only 15 minutes before the exam that a software will randomly pick one question paper and they will be printed. VTU vice-chancellor H Maheshappa disclosed this to DNA.

Currently, a pilot project in this regard is under way in 22 colleges in Belgaum . The VTU has plans to extend the practice to all of its colleges by June-July next year.

Growing online
In June 2010, VTU had started scanning the evaluated answer sheets of PhD students and making them available online so that the students could view them.
In January this year, the facility was extended to MBA, MCA and MTech courses. In July, the VTU's post-graduate and under-graduate courses (only first and second years) too were included in the scheme.
In December, the facility will be made available to the third- and fourth-year students of its under-graduate courses, thereby covering all the courses of the varsity.

Good for evaluators
Until now, the VTU has been following the practice of branch-wise evaluation, wherein the evaluators of each subject have to go to various districts to assess the answer sheets. Acknowledging that it is inconvenient for the teachers, the varsity is planning to change the system.
Maheshappa said that from December, 10 evaluation centres would be set up across the state and teachers would not have to travel much. He said there would be four-five centres in Bangalore itself and the number might be increased to 15, if need be.
The other centres will be in Davangere, Belgaum , Mysore, Gulbarga and Mangalore. The VTU has 195 affiliate colleges and about 2.5 lakh students.


Source:
http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/BAN-vtu-fixes-leakage-problem-digitises-question-papers-2551047.html

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Karnataka keen on central varsity in Kodagu
Published: Thursday, Nov 17, 2011 (http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_karnataka-keen-on-central-varsity-in-kodagu_1613792)Higher Education Minister VS Acharya has said that the state government is keen to set up a central university in the Kodagu region, similar to the one currently in Gulbarga.

At a press conference regarding agendas in higher education on Wednesday, the minister said the state would soon write to the Centre in this regard. Acharya said the Koduva National Council had made a proposal that a university to study ethnicities of the Koduvas be set up. He added that the proposed university should focus on culture, language and other aspects. He said it would be called Karnataka Koduva Central University.

Scholarships
He said the knowledge commission has suggested that the number of scholarships be increased. “The principal secretary will discuss it with the knowledge commission. Right now, only government colleges are providing scholarships, which we want to increase. We are looking for donors for this cause, who will be exempted from paying tax. We will write to the university of social justice and UGC regarding this. We are also looking at a public-private participation model for this,” he said.

The minister hoped this would encourage students to take up college education. The scholarship would come under the Karnataka scholarship scheme. Acharya said that at present, Rs12,000 crore is being spent on education, including on the university, infrastructure creation, expansion etc.

Grading system
Acharya said that a committee of vice-chancellors would decide on equalising international rules. “Coming out with a merit list is difficult since different colleges/ universities follow different grading systems. Hence, for equalising (converting grades into marks and vice-versa) the committee will help,” he added.

With regard to the opening of sectorial universities, Acharya said permission should be sought from ICAR before starting them.

This will be implemented in the coming days, he added. It was also mentioned that regulations must be standardised in the BT-finishing schools. Currently, there are 12 of them in the state.

RAMDAS MOOTS PARAMEDICAL, NURSING VARSITY

Govt. contemplating free treatment to poor at private hospitals

Bangalore, Nov. 18- Owing to growing pressure on government hospitals in the State, the Government is contemplating legislation of laws to ensure providing free treatment to the poor at private hospitals, said Medical Education Minister S.A. Ramdas yesterday.

Speaking to media persons here, Ramdas said that under the new law, all private hospitals would be bound to provide 33 per cent free treatment to the poor and added that the amended bill would be tabled during the coming Assembly Session.

Though there is a law on this matter, the same had not been implemented effectively and the move is aimed at making the rule be implemented compulsorily. The failure of private hospitals in following these laws had led to increased working pressure at government hospitals, he said.

For the first time in the country, the government has planned setting up of Paramedical and Nursing Varsity, the Minister declared and added that the move was aimed at creating jobs for youth besides compensating shortage of staff at government hospitals. Stating that a five year plan had been finalised for upgradation of Research Centre at Mysore Medical College at a cost of Rs. 254 crore, he said the number of medical seats at Bangalore Medical College has been raised from 150 to 200 besides substantial increase in seats for super speciality courses, which would solve the problem of shortage of specialised doctors.

http://www.starofmysore.com

Varsities to get Rs 2 cr each to develop Kannada: CM

Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda said that the State government will earmark Rs two crore each to every university to take measures to develop Kannada language.

Speaking after inaugurating the 17th district Kannada Sahithya Sammelan held at Alike Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institution premises, he said S L Bairappa who had won Saraswathi Samman will be felicitated at Banquet hall of Vidhan Soudha and will be presented a sum of Rs five lakh.

He said Kannada medium schools situated on the border areas will not be closed all of a sudden. The schools with less than five students will be closed only if the locals give their nod. The students of closed schools will be sent to the nearby school. The government is committed to protect the interest of the Kannadigas in Belgaum and Kasargod.

All the challenges posed to Kannada by other languages will be faced boldly. “We can not keep quiet for the anti-Kannada policy of Belgaum City Corporation. The State government will initiate measures against such act. We have issued notices to Belgaum Mayor and Deputy Mayor on anti-Kannada policy stand taken by them on Kannada Rajyotsava day.”

“To solve the row over Kannada medium schools in Kasargod and to provide facility to devotees at Shabarimale, I have asked Kerala Chief Minister to provide five acre land. The Kerala CM has responded positively,” said Gowda. The CM said that under the presidentship of Dr Chidananda Murthy, tender has been invited for the development of Kannada software.

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/205702/varsities-get-rs-2-cr.html

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Karnataka Knowledge Commission to revamp soon

The Karnataka Knowledge Commission is all set for a reconstitution that will see new faces soon. According to well-placed sources, a revamp of members is likely to happen within a week, with focus on

letting in members with more experience. “The Commission wants to identify key sectors and areas for the future. We also want the right combination of members with experience to look at these areas. The reconstitution is likely to happen next week,” sources in the Commission told Express. It is likely to bring in newer ideas, without compromising on some of the old ones. “The earlier focus areas will remain. The reconstitution will also look at what else could be added,” sources added.

The revamping being an internal exercise will be based on the stakeholders’ audit, which will then follow an official approval. “As of now, chairman Dr K Kasturirangan and member secretary Dr M K Sridhar will be retained. The rest will be decided by the principal secretary,” sources said.

In the month of September, the Commission had received a term extension by two years by Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda, taking the extension till June 2013.

When The New Indian Express contacted Latha Krishna Rao, principal secretary, higher education, she confirmed the reconstitution, saying, “Yes, we are currently working on it. It may take 10-15 days. We will look at newer areas of focus.”

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/karnataka-knowledge-commission-to-revamp-soon/204575-60-115.html

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Karnataka against all-India medical entrance test

The state government has made a plea to the Centre to exempt Karnataka from the proposed national-level exam for admission to medical colleges, government as well as private.

Chief minister DV Sadananda Gowda has written a letter to Union health and family welfare minister Ghulam Nabi Azad in this regard. He has contended that Karnataka students will be at a disadvantage if the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) is implemented from 2012.

read more:- http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_karnataka-against-all-india-medical-entrance-test_1616382

Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda at the Bio-fuel Information Demonstration Centre in Udupi district on Friday.

Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda said on Friday that the State Government would start model colleges in 20 districts in the State at a cost of Rs. 180 crore.

He was speaking at the silver jubilee celebrations of NMAM Institute of Technology, here.

Mr. Gowda inaugurated a Bio-fuel Information Demonstration Centre and a Vocational Training Centre at the institute.

Mr. Gowda said the aim of these model colleges was to provide quality education and enhance the Gross Enrolment Education in the higher education sector. The Gross Enrolment Ratio in the higher education sector was a mere 12 per cent. This needed to be increased to 25 per cent, he said.

It was found that only a small section of students coming out of colleges were employed. Hence it was necessary to develop skills among the students to increase their employability. The Government was formulating an action plan towards this. It was not possible for all students to take up only professional courses such as engineering and medicine. Hence, under the Suvarna Kaushalya Scheme, 15 vocational training centres had been opened in different parts of the State.

The Vocational Training Centre inaugurated in Nitte was the 16th such centre. These vocational centres would give vocational training to the youth and improve chances of getting employed.

The Government had given permission for the setting up of 58 new private polytechnic colleges in the State. The Government had started an engineering college in Karwar and 43 new polytechnic colleges in the State in the last three years. Lecturers had been appointed in 476 polytechnic colleges. The monthly salary of part-time lecturers in polytechnic colleges had been increased from Rs. 1,800 to Rs. 7,000. The monthly salary of part-time lecturers in engineering colleges had been increased to Rs. 10,000.

The State was giving priority to bio-fuels. In fact, the State stood first in the country in production and usage of bio-fuels.

He lauded the Nitte Education Trust for starting educational institutions which imparted quality education. Many educational institutions with large infrastructure were coming up. But a good educational institution not only had infrastructure, but also gave importance to quality and discipline, Mr. Gowda said.

It is a Rs. 200 crores project. A big project and may require a huge land like IITs' campus.

The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/article2641877.ece?css=print)

Karnataka University aspires for 'University of Potential Excellence' tag

The Karnataka University which has been selected by the state government to be named as model university along with Mysore varsity is now aspiring to get the University of Potential Excellence (UPE) tag.

A team headed by vice chancellor H B Walikar left for New Delhi on Monday to make a final presentation before the core committee set up by UGC from December 7 to 9.

read more:- http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubli/KU-aspires-for-UPE-tag/articleshow/11002070.cms

Folk Varsity inauguration on December 20

HAVERI: Karnataka Folk University will be inaugurated at Gotagodi village in Shiggoan taluk on December 20, Water Resources Minister Basavaraj Bommai stated in a release here on Tuesday.Governor H R Bhardwaj and Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda will lay foundation stone for various buildings on the occasion, Bommai said.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/folk-varsity-inauguration-on-december-20/209547-60-115.html

PG centre in Kodagu to become functional in 2013 (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2697311.ece)

Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College gets NAAC ‘A' grade
The postgraduate centre of the Mangalore University coming up at Chikkaluvara village near Kushalnagar in Kodagu will become functional in the academic year of 2013, Vice-Chancellor of the university T.C. Shivashankaramurthy said in Madikeri on Wednesday.

He was speaking at the Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College (FMKMCC), a constituent college of the university, after reading out the citation of NAAC conferring ‘A' grade to the college, a press release said here.

The PG centre would cater to higher education needs of students from Kodagu. Work on classrooms, rooms for lecturers, hostels for boys and girls, canteen, and other buildings was progressing well. An action plan involving Rs. 25 crore had been prepared for the purpose, Prof. Shivashankaramurthy said.

A sum of Rs. 25 lakh would be released to the FMKMCC to upgrade computers and provide LCD facilities of which Rs. 12 lakh had been released, he said.

A sum of Rs. 9 crore would be spent on activities relating to science and technology, he said.

There were 187 colleges affiliated to the university in Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.

Of them, only 14 colleges were affiliated to the university in Kodagu. Five were government colleges, three grant-in-aid colleges, five unaided colleges and the other one was an autonomous college, Prof. Shivashankaramurthy said.

More colleges were needed in Kodagu.

A separate wing to propagate Kodava culture, art and heritage would be started at the PG centre for which a proposal had been sent to the State government for approval, he said.

There were 547 universities in the country, including 38 in Karnataka. Of the 29,000 colleges in the country, only 4,093 had received ‘A' grade from NAAC, he said.

He lauded principal of FMKMCC Pushpa Kuttanna, teaching faculty, students and non-teaching staff for their efforts to achieve ‘A' grade from NAAC.

Registrar of the university K. Channappa Gowda said 31 colleges of the 81, which had applied, received ‘A' grade from NAAC in the country this year. FMKMCC stood seventh in the list of 31 colleges, Mr. Gowda said.

The university made efforts to improve facilities at the hostels in all constituent colleges, he added.

Kanjitanda Anita, university Syndicate Member, spoke. Prof. Pushpa Kuttanna thanked students, teaching and non-teaching staff, parents, and donors for enabling the college to secure ‘A' grade from NAAC.


Work on classrooms, hostels, and other buildings at PG centre progressing well
‘An action plan of Rs. 25 crore has been prepared for the purpose'

VTU to upgrade all its engineering colleges
(http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2696785.ece)
Minister for Higher Education V.S. Acharya on Wednesday informed Janata Dal (Secular) leader H.D. Revanna in the Legislative Assembly that the Visvesvaraya Technological University would spend Rs. 20 crore on each of the ten engineering colleges under its jurisdiction for recruiting staff and providing infrastructure.

Replying during question hour, Dr. Acharya said the VTU had Rs. 400 crore and it would utilise this for the purpose. To Mr. Revanna's question as to whether more courses such as Automobile Engineering could be started, the Minister said automobile engineering was part of Mechanical Engineering course. He said new courses would be started after studying the present system.

Denying that the Government was not allocating funds for infrastructure in Hassan, the Minister said Rs.180 crore had been earmarked for nine colleges at the rate of Rs. 20 crore each, but Rs. 60 crore was spent on Hassan Engineering College alone. Of the 630 sanctioned posts of lecturers, the Karnataka Public Service Commission had conducted interviews for 400 posts. The remaining would be filled with temporary lecturers. He said the Finance Department had sanctioned only for 50 per cent of the non-teaching posts. A total of 1,148 posts of lecturers and non-teaching staff were vacant, including three principals, 40 professors, 35 assistant professors and 152 lecturers. He told Mr. Revanna that a postgraduate college had also been started at Hassan.

Student-teacher ratio

Minister for Primary and Higher Secondary Education Visveshwara Hegde Kageri informed Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah and Kimmane Ratnakar (Congress) that the student-teacher ratio in primary/high schools in the State was above the ratio fixed by the Human Resource Development Ministry. While the ratio under Right to Education Act was 1:30, the State had maintained it at 1:28, which was better than other States, Mr. Kageri said.

Mr. Ratnakar said that 235 posts of teachers were vacant in Tirthahalli Assembly Constituency.

Supporting him, Mr. Siddaramaiah said that he had sanctioned one school in every village during his tenure as Finance Minister. Mr. Kageri assured B.K. Sangameshwara (Congress) that 600 high schools and junior colleges would be upgraded next year and his demand for starting new high schools in Dodderi, Kambadal, Kodligere and Donabagatti in Bhadravati would be met then.

Rs. 20 crore to be spent on each of the 10 engineering colleges

Funds to go towards recruiting staff and providing infrastructure

Education dept focuses on effective learning

In a significant move, the education department is focusing on separate learning labs for effective learning — especially for 6th and 7th standard — to bolster the learning of students in middle school.

Learning labs would be set up at schools with over 150 students and more than seven teachers with good classroom facilities, using the same resources provided by the education department. It is a known fact that most students usually fail in English and mathematics.

The labs will concentrate on qualitative teaching, imparting a good learning experience for students at the middle school so that these subjects turn easy for them. This will also bring good results, hope teachers.

read more:- http://www.deccanherald.com/content/210553/education-dept-focuses-effective-learning.html

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Experts upset over proposed Shimoga UAS not being made an integrated university

‘Merely setting up agricultural varsity will not help farmers'

The decision of the State Government to merely set up a university of agricultural sciences (UAS) in Shimoga instead of opting for an integrated agricultural university that takes care of agriculture as well as allied sectors has drawn flak from renowned agricultural experts of the State.

read more:- http://www.thehindu.com/education/college-and-university/article2675446.ece

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Kuvempu varsity to start course in bio-fuels

Kuvempu University will introduce a diploma course in bio-fuels from 2012, in addition to setting up a bio-fuel park on an eight-acre plot.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, University Deputy Registrar H N Ramesh Babu said: “We are in the process of finalising the syllabus, which will be presented before the Academic Council Meeting in January for approval.”

read more:- http://www.deccanherald.com/content/212968/kuvempu-varsity-start-course-bio.html

Centres of excellence in Kannada in all central varsities on the anvil

“The Government has released funds to the universities of agriculture, horticulture, music, and the Janapada University to encourage research in Kannada,” Director of the Department of Kannada and Culture Manu Baligar said here on Tuesday.

“We have released Rs. 25 lakh each to the music, agriculture and horticulture universities and Rs. 10 lakh to the Janapada University this year,” he said.

“After the Union Government accorded classical status to Kannada in October 2008, the State Government allocated Rs. 2 crore each to 11 universities in the State to encourage research works in Kannada in these varsities.

A sum of Rs. 1 crore was earmarked in the 2009-2010 budget and Rs. 1 crore in the 2010-2011 budget,” Mr. Baligar said. “However, now all the 11 universities have utilise.

“The Government had earmarked another Rs. 3 crore in this year's budget to provide a maximum of Rs. 25 lakh each to all the 11 universities if they spend the entire Rs. 1 crore before the end of the current financial year,” Mr. Baligar said.

“The Union Government has released Rs. 1 crore to the Central Institute of Indian Languages in Mysore for the development of Kannada ,” he said.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2733720.ece

UGC grants centre with potential excellence status to Karnatak varsity

One more feather was added to the cap of Karnatak University, Dharwad, with the University Grants Commission (UGC) granting it the status of centre with potential excellence in a particular area.

Vice-Chancellor H.B. Walikar said that the status granted by the UGC would fetch Rs. 7 crore special grants for research in the area of advanced material for potential applications.

A sum of Rs 6.58 crore had been released and the balance amount would be sent shortly, he said.

Proposals

The UGC had short-listed 16 proposals from 12 universities across the country for this prestigious award.

All these universities were called for presentation of their respective proposals on July 4.

The proposal of Karnataka University was presented by R.S. Inamdar, Chairman, Department of Physics, B.M. Swami of the Department of Biochemistry and I.M. Khazi of the Department of Chemistry.

The proposal was appreciated by experts, he said.

The centre comprises various research groups from the departments of physics, chemistry, biochemistry and zoology with the Department of Physics being the nodal point department.

The Department of Physics had been recognised by UGC as a Centre of Advanced Studies, the only one its kind in the State with laser physics and condensed matter physics as thrust areas of research, Prof. Walikar said.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2737044.ece

One more university to come up in Bangalore

Higher Education Minister V.S. Acharya has that the Government has decided to establish one more university in Bangalore to reduce the burden of work of Bangalore University.

Speaking to presspersons at the helipad at the District Police Grounds here on Wednesday, Dr. Acharya ruled out bifurcating Bangalore University as proposed earlier mainly due to the sentiments attached to Bangalore University and its brand name. Dr. Acharya said that Bangalore University was among the big universities in the country with nearly 600 colleges affiliated to it and its workload was “too heavy”.

However, without bifurcating it or changing the name, the government proposes to set up the other university, he said. Dr. Acharya told a questioner that the plans for establishing a new university in Bangalore were ready and indicated that it would also have a name similar to Bangalore University to retain its brand value.

‘They should not recur'

On the unsavoury incidents in Bangalore University with a section of students roughing up the director of correspondence course B.R. Niranjan on December 14 and another group manhandling Vice-Chancellor Prabhu Dev at Central College on Tuesday, he said that such incidents should not recur.

Dr. Acharya said that the reason for the outburst of the students was the postponement of the examinations and also the delay in getting their results.

Meeting

He said that Dr. Prabhu Dev was scheduled to meet him in Bangalore on Tuesday but it did not happen.

He said that Dr. Prabhu Dev and members of the Syndicate of Bangalore University were likely to meet him in Bangalore to submit their version of the incidents in which Dr. Niranjan was roughed up by students led by Sri Ram Sena activists, and also about the issue involving the manhandling of Dr. Prabhu Dev by students led by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishat (ABVP).

Advice to ABVP

Whether such incidents involving the ABVP, the students wing of the ruling BJP, sullied the image of the ruling party, Dr. Acharya said, “I have told the ABVP leaders who met me not to indulge in such incidents.”

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2736819.ece

Azim Premji varsity picks a partner

Azim Premji University, the first private university in Karnataka, has chosen the Sharanabasaveshwar Vidya Vardak Sangha as its partner to train teachers in the innovative teaching methodology practised in the educational institutions run by the sangha in Gulbarga and Bidar districts.

President of the sangha Sharanabasappa Appa, during his welcome address at the inaugural ceremony of Godutai Engineering College for Women here on Wednesday, said that unlike in other colleges, one class lasted 90 minutes at the educational institutions run by the sangh. In this, 30 minutes were spent teaching, 15 minutes in interaction with students and in the remaining 45 minutes, students had to write whatever they learnt in the class that day.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2737048.ece

Mangalore, December 22: The Srinivas Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre and Srinivas Hospital, built under the auspices of A Shama Rao Foundation, are all set for inauguration at Srinivas Nagar, Mukka near Suratkal on the outskirts of the city.



Karnataka chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda is expected to inaugurate the Research Centre and Hospital on Friday, December 25, in the presence of Pejawar Mutt pontiff Vishweshwara Theerta Swamiji, said A Srinivas Rao, vice president of the Foundation.



State Minister of Higher Education and Religious Endowment Dr. VS Acharya, Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister Krishna J Palemar, Secretary of AICC Vinay Kumar Sorake, Vice Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore Sriprakash KS will be among the chief guests.



President of A Sharma Rao Foundation CA A Raghavendra Rao will be presiding over the function.
http://coastaldigest.com/images/stories/pictures/Dec2011/DEC-18/Srinivas.jpg

coastaldigest

Bangalore University introduces subject on civic sense and responsibility

If Bangalore University’s ambitious plan bears fruit, the next batch of students graduating from the university may be much more sensitive when it comes to civic issues. The university is introducing ‘Civic Sense and Civic Responsibility’ as a subject which will be taught in colleges affiliated to the university.
The curriculum, being prepared by the Bangalore University, Janaagraha and CMCA (Children’s Movement for Civic Awareness), will have five chapters which will sensitise students on issues concerning civic sensitivity and civic responsibility.

read more:- http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_bangalore-university-introduces-subject-on-civic-sense-and-responsibility_1629173

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2011/12/24/20111224a_006100009.jpg

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2011/12/24/20111224a_003104002.jpg

2011 Karnataka school toppers receive personal computers

The state government rewarded 110 SSLC toppers with personal computers (PCs) on Thursday. Minister for primary and secondary education Vishveshwar Hegde Kageri distributed the PCs at a function organised by the department of public instruction.

“When I looked at consolidated results of these students, I was inspired by their achievement. With hundreds of students securing 98% and above, it is a strong reply to the cynics who speak ill of government schools. I can say with confidence that government high schools can give private schools a tough run for their money,” said Kageri.

He added that in the present scenario, it is not enough to learn how to read and write. “Computer education becomes critical in learning. With `38 lakh set aside for this scheme, we want to help students keep up with the times,” he said, adding that there were plans to extend this scheme to achievers in extracurricular and sports.

Further, the minister said the government is doing its bit in encouraging schools that had a 100% pass result by providing special aid. “This year, 389 unaided schools have 100% pass result, with 109 aided schools also faring well. The state government will give such schools `10,000 as special aid,” he said. The scheme covers 34 districts, which includes four educational districts — Bangalore North, Madhugiri, Sirsi and Chikodi.

Citing the importance of identifying and recognising talented students in schools, principal secretary G Kumar Naik said he had instructed deputy directors of public instruction (DDPIs) and block education officers (BEOs) to factor in this aspect during inspections. “I have advised supervising officers to be sensitive towards identifying students who are talented. It is our responsibility to hone skills of students,” he said.

http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_2011-karnataka-school-toppers-receive-personal-computers_1631459

:cheers:

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2012/01/01/20120101aC004100003.jpg

Paramedical, nursing university to come up in Karnataka

A paramedical and nursing university is expected to start functioning in Karnataka from 2012-13, Medical Education Minister S A Ramadass said today.

A panel headed by noted cardiologist Devi Shetty has already submitted its recommendations, which are being studied by another committee constituted by the Government, expected to finalise its report by month-end, he told reporters here.

It would then be placed before the Cabinet for approval, Ramadass said.

read more:- http://www.deccanherald.com/content/216201/paramedical-nursing-university-come-up.html

Schools in Karnataka can now be easily located on Google Earth

Going ahead, you will not have any problem locating schools in Karnataka. Information on all government and private schools in the state will now be easily accessible via Google Earth website.

Under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, the Karnataka state government has taken an initiative to upload the photos of over 69,750 schools with name, address and other details on Google Earth.

“The SSA will acquire geographical coordinates of all the schools including lower primary, higher primary and high schools,” SSA district coordinator Shivaprakash told the Deccan Herald.

The project involves using a web-based application for accessing the District Information System of Schools Education (DISE) database and the integrated database of schools. Authorities also visit the schools and capture the geographical coordinates using GPS in a prescribed format. Details about the number of students, teachers, facilities available in the schools will also be added to the Google Earth in the near future.

According to sources in the SSA state programme office, 70% of the project has already been completed. The SSA officials would check the uploaded details thoroughly, before making the info available to the public.

http://www.buzzom.com/2012/01/schools-in-karnataka-can-now-be-located-on-google-earth/

Two State varsities get Rs 50 crore grant

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has accorded the status of ‘Universities with Potential for Excellence (UPE), which carries a grant of Rs 50 crore, to University of Mysore and Karnatak University in Dharwad in the State, along with five other universities.

Mysore varsity vice-chancellor V G Talawar said 39 universities had submitted the proposals for the UPE and 10 out of them were shortlisted. They were first evaluated in New Delhi on December 7, 8 and 9 during which the vice-chancellors of the universities made presentations. The shortlisted universities were requested to send a proposal to the UGC indicating the focused area for holistic development and the budget proposed.

Two of the projects proposed are advanced functional materials in research areas in science; and another on social science, with reference to media and social development, he said.

The six to seven years for holistic development included green campus, e-governance and upgrading printing press, he added.

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/216813/two-state-varsities-get-rs.html

Chess may be compulsory in Karnataka schools too

Chess is the flavour of the season and taking a cue from Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, Karnataka plans to make the game compulsory in schools. This revives a model widely prevalent in the Soviet bloc which churned out chess champs by the dozens in state-sponsored academies through the latter half of the last century.

read more:- http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Chess-may-be-compulsory-in-Karnataka-schools-too/articleshow/11382637.cms

UGC grant for Mysore, Karnataka Universities

University of Mysore, one of the oldest varsities in the country, has been recognised for the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) ‘Universities with Potential for Excellence’ (UPE) status, which comes with a� grant of Rs 50 crore towards academic and infrastructural improvements.

It is among the six universities in the country which have been accorded the recognition. Karnataka University, Dharwad, has also bagged the UPE tag.

Prof V G Talwar, Vice-Chancellor, University of Mysore, has high plans for holistic improvement of the varsity, which include WiFi connectivity throughout campus, high-performance computing and introduction of e-Governance. “The grant is extendable. But we are now looking at setting up a Centre for Excellence in Advanced Functional Materials and a Media and Social Development programme,” he said.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/ugc-grant-for-mysore-karnataka-universities/218668-60-115.html

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2012/01/09/20120109aD005100003.jpg

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2012/01/10/20120110a_003103007.jpg

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2012/01/10/20120110a_003103007.jpg

Mr.Kharge & Munniyappa even though do not hold much strong ministry posts are contributing good to the state..Gulbarga has been benifited a lot By Kharge..
Well done..:banana:

181 receive gold medals at Karnatak University convocation

Below is the link.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubli/181-receive-gold-medals-at-Karnatak-University-convocation/articleshow/11433707.cms

Karnataka Knowledge Commission reconstituted

The Karnataka Government today re-constituted the Karnataka Knowledge Commission under the chairmanship of renowned space scientist Dr K Kasturi Rangan. Dr M K Sridhar, Prof Sadagopan, Dr Padma Sarangapani, Dr Gururaj Karjagi, Dr Mohan Das Pai, Dr Ravi Naryana Rao, Seetalakshmi Chinnappa, Prof K R S Murthy, S R Ramasawmy, Dr Mukunda Rao are members of the Commission. The commission will have its tenure till June 30, 2013, an official press release said here. PTI MSR APR APR

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/karnataka-knowledge-commission-reconstituted/948407.html

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2012/01/11/20120111a_003106002.jpg

UGC grant for Bidar college

The University Grants Commission has released Rs. 75 lakh as special grants to B.V. Bhoomreddy College, run by the Hyderabad Karnataka Education Society, to develop its infrastructure, buy laboratory equipment and strengthen its library, a society member Basavaraj Patil Ashtur said in a release.

“We are constructing a new golden jubilee block, building a girls hostel and adding a few classrooms on our Mannalli road campus,” he said.

read more:- http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2794568.ece

NSD finally gets land for school
(http://www.deccanherald.com/content/219121/nsd-finally-gets-land-school.html)


The first non-Delhi campus to come up at BU

The State government has finally handed over three acres of land to the National School of Drama (NSD) on the Bangalore University campus, formalising the procedure after a delay of almost three years. Department of Kannada and Culture Commissioner Manu Baligar and NSD Director Anuradha Kapur signed the MoU in the presence of Kannada and Culture Minister Govind Karjol in Bangalore on Friday.

In March 2009, Karnataka had decided to allot three acres of the 20 acres of land handed over to the Kannada and Culture department by Bangalore University to set up the art center –– Kalagrama campus, to the NSD for establishing its drama school. The school which has been functioning out of the Gurunanak Bhavan in the City will be shifted to the Kalagrama campus located in Mallathahalli, facing the Ring Road side of the Jnanabharathi campus, in about three years.

NSD proposes to set up repertory centers, library and regional resource centre at the campus, apart from the drama school. Karjol also said the NSD would utilise the open air auditorium and other facilities of Kalagrama established by the Kannada and Culture department, and also coordinate with the department on the theatre-related activities.

Classes in 3 languages
Kapur said the NSD Bangalore would be the first campus to be set up outside New Delhi. “This is a great leap for us – a move forward in higher education and in theatre,” she said, adding that Rajya Sabha member B Jayashree should be given credit for speeding the formalities between the State and the Centre. Classes will be taught in Kannada, English and Hindi, but the performances will be in Kannada. “Students from outside the State may find it difficult to perform in Kannada, but this is how the format has been designed,” she added. NSD Bangalore will also conduct workshops in carpentry, sound and photography and other allied disciplines of theatre. The project cost to set up the school is yet to be worked out. The NSD is in talks with other states like West Bengal, Maharashtra, Goa and Jammu and Kashmir to set up its centers, Kapur said.

e-IDs to make it easy for Bangalore University

Students and faculty of Bangalore University will soon be issued ‘smart cards,’ which will also serve as ID cards and debit cards. Shortly, the smart card will also have other add-ons, such as hall ticket, attendance sheet, marks card, and degree certificate.

This initiative is a tripartite agreement between the university, Canara Bank, and MGRM Net Ltd.The total cost of the project is Rs14.40 crore, which is

being sponsored by the Canara Bank for a period of 10 years. At the initial stage, the project will cater to 2.25 lakh students. It is estimated that, every year, there will be an addition of 70,000 students.In view of the establishment of the Karnataka State Law University Act, law students are not eligible to gain admission to semesters five, seven or nine of the five-year LLB course if they have failed in more than seven subjects. Many a time, colleges have to conduct classes separately for those repeaters who are few in number.

These students cannot attend classes for the ongoing semesters since the syllabus and subjects are different in the law university and the Bangalore University.

The council members have approved a full carryover till the completion of the academic course and within a maximum stipulated period of 10 years.

http://www.dnaindia.com/academy/report_e-ids-to-make-it-easy-for-bangaloreuniversity_1637412

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40% of Karnataka kids in Class 3, 4 can’t read Class 1 textbook

Primary education in Karnataka is left wanting in its most crucial aspect — learning — although some facilities required in schools have improved. Experts say this trend highlights that improving facilities have diverted the attention and taken the steam out of the efforts of improving learning among schoolchildren in the state.

This is the finding of the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER)-2011 which surveyed 781 schools in the state as part of a countrywide exercise that involved 14,283 schools.

Now the shocker: In Karnataka, at least 40.3% of schoolchildren in class 3 and 4 cannot read a class 1 textbook, while more than half of them (52.5%) cannot do subtractions. This, despite the fact that 85.3% of children in class 1 and 2 can read letters and words and at least 85.8 can recognize numbers from 1-9 and more.

This indicates a disheartening trend of children either losing interest in learning or there being a hidden flaw in the system by which the children are taught.

According to the report, this poor performance among the mid-primary schoolchildren in learning is matched by only some facilities in the schools across the state being improved.

Office rooms, store rooms, useable toilets (including the ones for girls), drinking water, playgrounds and boundary walls have considerably improved. For instance, 81.9% of schools have drinking water facility, compared to 75.8% in 2010; 44.2% have useable toilets, compared to 38.4% in 2010; 71.1% have playgrounds, compared to 66.2% last year; and 94% have kitchens for cooking, compared to 92.8% in the previous year.

But the percentage of teaching and learning materials has come down. There is no significant increase in the number of library books available for the children (92.4% in 2010 and 92.6% in 2011); even where the books are available, the percentage of children using them has come down considerably, with only about 57.8% using them compared to 64.8% in 2010.

The data shows that when it comes to teaching and learning materials, the schools fare poorly compared to the previous year. In 2010, 97.3% of teaching and learning materials were observed in class 2, compared to 95.8% in 2011; in class 4, 2010 saw 92.4% against 90.4% in 2011.

This perhaps explains the disparity in the learning among students of class 1 and 2, on the one hand, and those from class 3 and 4, on the other.

“Since the implementation of the RTE, the government is looking at improving infrastructure in schools such as building compound walls and girls toilets. However, this has shifted its focus from the most important aspect - quality of education in classrooms,” saidMadhav Chavan, founder and CEO of Pratham, an NGO which facilitates the survey.

Manjula Raman, principal, Army Public School, says, “I’ve noticed that by the time children are in class 3, they already look tired and stressed out. Parents get paranoid about homework which adds to the stress levels of children. The fun in learning just vanishes and so does their general happiness.”

Mansoor Ali Khan, member, board of management, Delhi Public School, Bangalore and Mysore, says: “It’s still essential to make a class interesting. The transition from UKG to class 1 should be smooth, because there tends to be a jump in academics. When the transition is not smooth, and the workload is more than the child can handle, problems begin. Although technology is available, it is important to see how it is used. My personal opinion is that formal education should start at age 6.

http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_40pct-of-karnataka-kids-in-class-3-4-cant-read-class-1-textbook_1638651

This forum tells about the Projects in karnataka.



:banana:

This forum tells about the Projects in karnataka.



:banana:

It does not contain National Institute of Engineering, Mysore.. and two more new ones opened up 5 years back.. bad repository..

PUC Admissions in Karnataka To Go Online

The Department of Pre-University Education (Karnataka) proposed a Common Online Admission System for the colleges in the cities of Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Belgaum, Gulbarga, Hubli-Dharwad, Davangere, Tumkur and Shimoga for the I year PUC admissions from the academic year 2012.

The proposal stated that the Common Online Admission process will enable transparency in the admission system by ensuring that all students who passed SSLC examination get a fair and equal opportunity to get admission in any college of their choice based on their individual merit.

Presently CBSE and ICSE students have a separate 5% of the overall seats reserved in all colleges. As and when the CBSE and ICSE results are declared the same system of online admission will be extended to them also by preparing a separate merit list. This would help these students as they too suffer from all the inherent deficiencies of the existing admission processes. The only reason as to why they cannot be integrated with the existing system is that there is a difference between the timings of declaration of results between the SSLC, the CBSE and the ICSE Boards.

read more:- http://blog.careermitra.com/2012/01/puc-admissions-karnataka-online/

Council yet to recognise Veterinary College in Hassan

First batch of students are supposed to pass out in July this year

The first batch of students expected to pass out of the Veterinary College in July are in a fix as their institution is yet to be recognised by the Veterinary Council of India (VCI).

Unless the State government releases Rs 20 crore at the earliest, the efforts of 23 students pursuing the course for the last five years would go waste. Without recognition from VCI, the graduates won’t be able to apply for jobs.

read more:- http://www.deccanherald.com/content/222127/council-yet-recognise-veterinary-college.html

Mysore varsity signs MoU with ISEC

University of Mysore (UoM) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC) for collaborative academic and research programmes. UoM vice-chancellor Prof V G Talawar exchanged the MoU with ISEC director Deshpande.

The MoU is aimed to make it possible for institute academic exchange between UoM and ISEC based upon principles of mutual equality and reciprocity of benefits.

ISEC will register its students for Ph D In social sciences, wherever feasible in the departments of economics, agricultural economics, environmental economics, political science, public administration, sociology, social anthropology, social work, education, development studies and other related disciplines.

ISEC director Deshpande said that more than 175 researchers from their institute have already obtained their Ph Ds, with a majority of them earning their doctorate from UoM. ISEC is an all India institute for interdisciplinary research and training in social sciences established in 1972.

UoM registrars P S Naik, B Ramu and ISEC registrar K S Narayan were present.

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/221862/mysore-varsity-signs-mou-isec.html

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Central varsity will have medical college, says Kharge

‘Kapil Sibal has given an assurance in this regard'

“The Union Government has agreed to establish a medical college under the Central University of Karnataka,” Union Minister for Labour and Employment M. Mallikarjun Kharge said here on Saturday.

He was speaking at the first convocation of the university at the S.M. Pandit Rangamandira.

“During his recent visit to the district, Union Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal assured us that the university will have a medical college. This should materialise soon,” Mr. Kharge said.

“This would add to the Centre's efforts to develop Gulbarga district,” he said. Mr. Kharge said the Union Government was investing heavily in higher education.

“We opened 15 new Central universities in 2009. Nine Indian Institutes of Technology, 20 National Institutes of Technology and 14 innovation universities are in the process of being established. This is to ensure that quality education of all kinds is available to people no matter which part of the country they reside in,” he said.

The Minister said that India had a great demographic dividend with 540 million people under the age of 25 and nearly 200 million between 15 and 25.

“We need to educate them and make them employable. At present, India's enrolment in higher education is 7 per cent, less than the average in Asia of 11 per cent. The Union Government aims to increase this to 30 per cent by 2020. By 2020, it is estimated that India's education sector needs an investment of Rs. 7. 5 lakh crore as over the next decade we will need 1,000 universities and 45,000 colleges to cater to an estimated 40 million students,” Mr. Kharge said.

He said Hyderabad Karnataka had failed to fully realise its growth potential due to historical and natural factors.

“This region is underdeveloped in education, healthcare and other parameters.

Karnataka has two sides, one of a developed state and the other of an under-developed one.

That is why we are trying to get special status under Article 371 for the Hyderabad Karnataka region so that its development can be on a par with the rest of the country,” Mr. Kharge said.

Responsibility

He said that universities had a responsibility of contributing to the development of the nation in general and backward areas in particular.

“This can be done by democratisation of quality education, research and collaboration with government and other agencies,” the Minister said. Mr. Kharge presented degrees to 40 doctoral and postgraduate students. Vice-Chancellor A.M. Pathan and scientist Goverdhan Mehta were present.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2841786.ece

All pvt schools, colleges to get grant-in-aid

Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda, on Thursday, promised to bring all private educational institutions (both high schools and pre-university colleges) that were started before 1994 under the ambit of grant-in-aid, in a phased manner.

Replying to a query on delay in giving grants to many of the institutions in the Council on Thursday, the chief minister said he would shortly convene a meeting with Primary and Secondary Education Minister Vishveshwara Hegde Kageri in this regard and re-start the process of bringing the institutions under grant-in-aid.

The process, however, will be completed in a phased manner owing to financial constraints, he added.

Basavaraj Horatti, Veeranna Mattikatti and Mahantesh Koujalgi highlighted the hunger strike by hundreds of teachers in Dharwad for the past 50 days, demanding grant-in-aid for their institutions.

Responding to the issue, the chief minister said so far the State government has given grant-in-aid to as many as 1,000 institutions. However, 1,250 institutions in the State are yet to get it.

The government was forced to halt the process due to financial constraints arising out of severe drought situation in the State, the chief minister added. The government is committed to give grant-in-aid to all the institutions, promised D V Sadananda Gowda.

However, JD(S) member Puttanna warned of staging a protest in the House next week if the government fails to act.

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/224188/all-pvt-schools-colleges-get.html

Karnataka’s 12 Finishing Schools mould its first 100 candidates to officially qualify for biotech industry jobs


Human resource starved biotech industry can expect some cheers as the 100 candidates from the 12 Finishing Schools in Karnataka will now move on for internship to the industry by mid- February. The sector has also been complaining about the lack of employable graduates. Now the access to 100 candidates will be an answer to its problems.

Karnataka’s department of information technology, biotechnology and science and technology which pioneered the concept of Finishing Schools in the country has now announced the graduation of 100 candidates.

“The candidates from our 12 Finishing Schools will complete their first leg of theory and will now move on officially for industry exposure,” stated Karnataka IT, BT and S&T principal secretary, MN Vidyashankar at a press conference on the upcoming Bangalore India Bio 2012 to be held at the Lalith Ashok in Bengaluru from February 6-8.

“This is a significant effort as the qualifying candidates from the 12 Finishing Schools will now prove their mettle going by the training imparted at the centres across the state,” he added.

At the Bangalore India Bio 2011, the state government had sanctioned Rs.1 crore each to set up 12 Finishing Schools. These included Bangalore’s PESIT, Dayananda Sagar College, Maharani Ammani College for Women, Oxford College, Mysore JSS, Mangalore’s Aloysius College, Tumkur’s Siddaganga institute, Sirsi’s MM Arts and Science College, etc.

The state is now home to 60 per cent of the biotech units which is 187 companies and requires the candidates with the required industry skills. Presently, biotechnology through its industries in bio-pharma, bio agri, clean-green technologies and bio energy among others directly employs 100,000 candidates and 10 times of this number are serving the allied biotech sector.

Now the state government has been able to implement much of the announcements it made at the Bangalore India Bio 2011. Apart from the commissioning and completion of courses of its 12 Finishing Schools, it has been on course with the construction of the Alexandria Knowledge Park, the erstwhile Bangalore Helix which will be ready in June 2013.

The last year event had the state government announce a Rs.67. 5 crore fund assistance for the development of the biotechnology sector. Out of this amount, Rs.45 crore was allocated to promote projects in the area of high technology which cover stem cells and regenerative and genetics. “We have now commissioned Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (InStem) within the campus of the National Centre for Biological Sciences here. The remaining Rs.22.5 crore is also being offered to companies to support technology transfers and commercialize research projects, he said.

http://pharmabiz.com/NewsDetails.aspx?aid=67324&sid=1

establishment of two private universities

The government decided to permit establishment of two private universities in Doddaballapur and Kanakapura, the officials said.

Manipal Private University will come up at Doddaballapur and ARKA Private Universityat Jakkasandra in Kanakapura taluk.

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/karnataka/karnataka-increases-income-ceiling-for-obc-reservation-172891&cp

‘Bangalore North University’ finds land

With the bifurcation of Bangalore University imminent. Bangalore North University (the name that is likely to be chosen) is likely to be set up in Kolar district, between Chintamani and Srinivaspura.

The university will be set up on 300-plus acres of government land and will have 300 colleges affiliated to it. The colleges will include those in Kolar, Chikkabalapur and Hoskote.

The land at Somayajalahalli measures 321 acres and four guntas and the land in Kanisettihalli measures 245 acres and 35 guntas. It is 30km from Hoskote and Kolar and 35km from Chikkabalapur. BC Mylarappa, registrar (administration), BU, said the place that has been identified is a central place for Kolar and the BU is expecting about 300 colleges to be affiliated to the university. Also, efforts are on to look for additional land in Hoskote as it is closer to Bangalore.

Mylarappa added that the name of the university would either be Bangalore North University or Bangalore Rural University. “We will probably go with Bangalore North University because the latter may cause some problems,” he said.

The process involved in the bifurcation of the university is identifying the land and bifurcating the finances and administration of BU. Mylarappa said the faculty would be given an option to choose the university they would want to work at.

While the appointment of a special officer for the university is yet to be decided, Mylarappa said he was an aspirant for the post, considering that he hails from Kolar. “I am open to taking up this post. The work environment here is not conducive; hence I am ready if the offer comes my way. However, let the government take the decision,” he said.

Usually the special officer, after a span of six months, is recommended as the vice- chancellor of the university, which is a decision taken by the cabinet.

Describing the duties of the special officer, Mylarappa said they include identifying the land, the colleges to be affiliated to the university, infrastructure and preparing and submitting a detailed report about the to-be-established university to the government for further action.

On Thursday, the registrar met the higher education minister to pursue the matter.

http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_bangalore-north-university-finds-land_1645363

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Mangalore, Jan 31,2012, DHNS:

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When most of the students attempting SSLC exams in the next few months are buried in their books studying, students of Swaroopa Adhyayana Kendra are busy singing, dancing and painting.

However, people who are thinking that these kids are up to tom-foolery will be shocked to find out that they know their theorems, science experiments, history dates, English poems, Kannada grammar on the tip of their tongue.

How are they able to do it? Well, thanks to the innovative learning methods of Gopadkar.

Swaroopa Adhyayan Kendra is the brain child of Gopadkar, which aims to break the barriers of conventional education system which is limited to six subjects, exams and marks.

Gopadkar showed the wonders of his alternate education methods at ‘Swaroopa Shikshana Jagruti Jatha’ organised at Mangalore Town Hall on Tuesday.

“Who ever knows everything and understands everything, tends to forget. One who does not understand and is ready to accept that fact and learn is a student. When you do not understand, you are forced to think. Hence, it is better not to understand than understand,” said Gopadkar.

‘Swaroopa,’ means understanding oneself with an aim to develop. The alternate education system aims to bring change, development, experimentation and creativity, he said.

The students of Swaroopa, then demonstrated various learning techniques they learnt at the center and left the audience awestruck. The students presented a well choreographed Bollywood dance. Later, they explained that the dance is just not a dance, but a depiction of Flemming’s Right and Left Hand Rule. The students have memorised the entire rule with the dance moves.

The students performed various other dances which depicted Maths theorems and also the multi-tasked education dance, where students presented four different subjects in one dance.

Later, Gopadkar demonstrated the memory skills of his students, who could name more than 50 items in its chronological order and also randomly. “With this technique, my students have entered the Limca Book of World Records by naming 1000 items,” he said.

The students also demonstrated their concentration power, by doing 11 tasks at once. The students drew pictures in their left hand, counted in the right and memorised items, numbers, questions asked by their teachers simultaneously and also told what the audience were doing.

Any mobile number in the world can be memorised by these children and they can remember it permanently. The students have denoted numbers to various actions and they remember them through the story technique.

The First War of Indian Independence, seemed to come alive when the students enacted an entire chapter of the social science subject with an Yakshagana.

Later, they presented a puppet show “Artha Agtha Illa” (I don’t understand) which showed the plight of the students in present education system.

“Stop Bonsai education. Try to solve the lacunae in the present education system. All children are geniuses, one has to know to use the human resource,” said Gopadkar and added that he and his students have toured Karnataka for three months, demonstrating the education techniques in over 54 centers. However, the education department is not considering to include the alternative study techniques in the education system,” he regretted.

“Earth is looted by the educated. Today’s education is leading one to a destructive path. The society has become monotonous. There is a great need to have a change in the education system and hence emphasise on experimentation and creativity,” said Scholar and artist Gururaj Marpalli delivering the key-note address.

The programme was inaugurated by Artist K P Shenoy, with a painting which was backed by the Swaroopa institution anthem sung by the students.

DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/223578/students-sing-dance-understand-subjects.html)

At 6, Mangalore whiz-kid solves 10th std theorems

Sandhya C D’Souza,Mangalore, Feb 1,2012, DHNS:

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She could read, write in English, Kannada when she was 18 months old

While many at the age of six can hardly read or write, here is Adi Swaroopa who can put even 10thstandard students to shame by her mental abilities. At six, this wiz kid solves toughest math theorems studied in 10th standard. She can read, write neatly, refer dictionaries and encyclopedias, draw meaningful pictures and recite English and Kannada poetry.

This child prodigy is way ahead of her age. Thanks to the alternative education intervention, used by her parents Gopadkar and Sumangala who are the Director and Principal of Swaroopa Shikshana Adhyana respectively.

Gopadkar, who has started the center with an aim to change the conventional education system, has proved that every child is a genius with his batch of students and his daughter Adi.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, he says that he has not enrolled Adi to a conventional school. “We do not want to restrict her study to six subjects, exams and marks. We have left her free and have created a demand of knowledge in her. She reads a lot and is curious. She keeps asking us her doubts and we keep answering them,” says Gopadkar.

Sumagala Gopadkar reveals that Adi started scribbling with a pen since she was a 10 month old baby and she could read and write in English and Kannada when she was one and a half year old.

Was the child born genius? Well, Sumangala reveals that is the effect of ‘Swaroopa Infant education system’. “This system is based on voice and expression. We do not force or order a child, but create a demand where the child will herself be thirsty for knowledge.

With this system, we introduce the child to the environment, various incidents and hence give exposure to all five senses,” she says.With this method, Adi has developed her intelligence and emotional quotient. She rarely falls sick and she is not aggressive or adamant like other children of her age. “One thing, we cannot stop about Adi is her questions. She is very curious. She questions and she thinks,” she smiles.

Sumangala also adds that they don’t have plans to enroll Adi to school. “We are planning to carry on this education system and will make Adi appear for SSLC exam when she attains her age. However, for socialisation, we have plans to enroll her to art and cultural institutions where she can interact with children of her age. We shall also put her into a school for a brief time, so that she can know the difference between the study methods used in conventional schools and Swaroopa centre,” says Sumangala and adds that Adi at six writes short stories and poems.

“Appreciation is the key. We appreciate Adi whenever she does the right thing or shows something new,” she says.

Adi actively participates in the SSLC classes, her father conducts for students. “With the interesting study techniques such as song and dance, she has managed to learn most of the 10th standard syllabus”.

“I love to dance and sing. I like to learn. I want to become a teacher like my parents,” smiles little Adi.

DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/223863/at-6-mangalore-whiz-kid.html)

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Karnataka government regulates school fees

As school admission fees are becoming a burden on the parents, the Karnataka government has fixed a 30 per cent profit margin for private schools. This after parents protested against the alarming rise in the admission costs.

The ever rising cost of a school education is a biting reality for parents and Ashok Kumar Adiga President of the Parents' Association last year decided to fight against it.

"What is the profit that schools are making; it's more than 100 per cent. They say building fees, they say computer education, even bags are sold in schools for Rs 500-600, shoes are sold for Rs 1,400," Kumar said.

Kumar's efforts led to the circular from the Karnataka education department and the circular says tuition fees should not exceed a profit of 30 per cent and schools cannot charge any non-tuition fees up to class five. Schools are upset with the diktat.

Karnataka Unaided School' Association President GS Sharma said, “Education means not mere reading and writing, you have to provide libraries, AV, sports, laboratory and other facilities, innumerable requirements.”

But the government is firm and says that it is high time schools are brought in line.

Commissioner for Public Instruction Tushar Girinath said, “We have considered reasonably well what should be the fee structure. We are also seeking legal side and what we're saying, in any case, follow transparency.”

This government order was actually issued after parents gave a representation that they're being forced to buy books and uniforms at huge rates from schools - some schools charged as much as Rs 3,500 for one set of uniform - higher than what you'd pay perhaps for branded shirts.

But with schools set to move court next week, the issue is headed for a tough legal battle.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/karnataka-government-regulates-school-fees/227454-62-129.html

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KDA plans Pampa Research Centre

The Kannada Development Authority (KDA) has planned to set up a Pampa Research Centre to promote research on the literary works of Pampa, Ranna and other eminent Kannada writers.

KDA chairperson Mukhyamantri Chandru told mediapersons here on Monday that the Authority had submitted a proposal in this regard to the State government and Chief Minister Sadananda Gowda had promised to earmark grants in the upcoming budget for the centre proposed to be set up in one of the State universities.

The government has also planned to give a stipend of Rs 2,000 to students studying in Kannada departments in the universities outside the State. This year, Rs 10 lakh was given as stipend to 103 postgraduate students.

Govt decision opposed
On the government’s decision to merge schools with less students strength, Chandru said the KDA had opposed the move and had asked the chief minister to reconsider the decision.

He welcomed the government’s order to hoist the Kannada flag on the occasion of Kannada Rajyotsava Day on November 1.

A committee has been formed to edit the State anthem and reduce the time taken to render it. The committee is expected to present the revised State anthem in a month’s time, Chandru said.

Competitive exams
A centre will be set up shortly in Dharwad for training students to write competitive examinations, Chandru said. All the district administrations will be directed to open such centres to conduct coaching classes and impart advanced training to candidates who have cleared the preliminary round, he added.

To promote linguistic harmony, the Kannada Development Authority will hold a convention of Tamils and Kannadigas in Chamarajnagar on April 5.

The convention will also help in improving relationship between the two states, he added.

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/225091/kda-plans-pampa-research-centre.html

New horticultural facilities to aid farmers

Horticulture and floriculture in the region is set to receive a boost with the College of Horticulture setting up a campus at Yelchanahalli in Yelwal.

The foundation stone for the new campus of the institute, which is currently functioning from the Government Silk Farm, Tandavpura, will be laid later this month.

It will be established on a 74-acre farm off the Mysore-Hunsur highway, near Gomatagiri, Dean of the institute J. Venkatesha and Head of the Horticultural Extension Unit B.G. Prakash said.

Source of information

The new campus will house not only classrooms and laboratories, but also have a farm for extension activities.

Mr. Prakash pointed out that Mysore was ideal for both horticulture and floriculture, and farmers could hope to earn good income from exports, especially of jasmine and rose. However, there was lack of adequate scientific information and guidance. The college would seek to address this, and ensure that farmers get information and assistance from qualified entomologists and fruit scientists.

Both officials said farmers around Mysore and Nanjangud already consulted them.

“Some farmers get information and solutions over the phone, while others bring samples of pest-infected fruits or flowers. Our staff helps to ascertain the nature of the disease and provide them a solution,” Mr. Prakash said.

The college would be a “catalyst”, encouraging farmers to take up cultivation of crops that were in demand in the international market. “We are gearing up to organise field extension programmes on coconut, ginger, turmeric and other spice-based crops in view of their potential,” Mr. Prakash said.

Nanjangud rasabale, Mysore beetle leaf, Erengere brinjal and Mysore mallige, which have earned a Geographic Indication tag, would be popularised through field extension programmes, he added.

Changing attitude

According to the official, farmers increasingly kept an open mind to horticulture. A significant number were growing horticultural crops in addition to conventional ones, he said.

This was indicated at the ‘Banana Field Day' conducted in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, Nanjanagud. “Farmers were given information about G9, Nanjangud rasabale, and yelakki varieties of banana. The focus was on treating common diseases that afflict the crop ,” Mr. Prakash said.http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2871115.ece

Sunny side up! Solar lamps to light up KSOU

Varsity begins work on installing solar lamps; sodium lamps replaced by new technology

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At a time when power crisis in the state is far from ending, solar energy has emerged as one of the alternate sources of energy with increasing number of takers.

Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), one of the premier institutes, joins the list of alternate energy users deciding to light up its campus with solar lamps. The project is expected to cost Rs 19 lakh.

Vice-chancellor of the varsity K S Rangappa told Deccan Herald the project conceived six months ago was becoming a reality with works on fixing solar lamps underway. With this, the varsity aims at saving electricity both in terms of consumption and also expenditure in the form of bill.

Said assistant executive engineer at the varsity N Anil Kumar: “A total of 58 lamps will be installed in the campus spread over sprawling 15 acres of land. It will cover the area including old building and also some of the new structures. Each lamps of 20 watt can tap 1.2 kv energy, suffice to keep the area in light for 12 hours from dusk to dawn — 6 pm to 6 am (depending on the sunlight). In all, solar lamps will replace 25 sodium lamps installed in the existing set up.

Before going ahead with the project, the authorities had installed two lamps on trial basis two months ago. Earlier the lamps were of 12 watt power. However, the lux (a measure of amount of light produced) wasn’t satisfactory. So, it was decided to go for 20 watt. The works on installing the poles with solar panel and lamps atop have begun.

According to Anil Kumar 50 per cent of the total amount spent on electricity bill could be saved in the new system. Needless to say latest technology is being used to make the facility durable. Another benefit is — as is the rule — the Central government will give subsidy in the range of five to 10 per cent on the total cost. The work is expected to be completed in a day or two.

If that’s the development happening outdoors, various departments and offices in the varsity will also undergo change in the coming days indoors. Tubelights and bulbs will be replaced by CFL.http://www.deccanherald.com/content/225359/sunny-side-up-solar-lamps.html

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Bangalore varsity projects worth Rs. 80 cr. in limbo

Barely two days after Bangalore University (BU) Vice-Chancellor (VC) N. Prabhu Dev completed three years in office, Registrar (Administration) B.C. Mylarappa set out on an inspection of projects that have gone into the cold storage during his tenure.

On Wednesday, the Registrar, along with a few members of BU's Works Committee and Syndicate, took a tour of eight projects/buildings on the varsity's Jnana Bharathi (JB) campus which are in various stages of construction. The total worth of all these projects is estimated to be around Rs. 80 crore.

“All these buildings are 99 per cent complete, but construction has been stalled for various reasons. It is such a waste of public money. I will place the matter before the Syndicate, Higher Education Minister and the VC to get the projects completed,” said Prof. Mylarappa. He will also inspect the Central College campus soon.

Here are the some of the projects that are yet to see the light of the day, or are in dire need of improvement:

Students angry

In the SC/ST PG Boys' Hostel, the students complained that four to five people are crammed into a room meant for two.

“Restrooms are in a pathetic condition, the rooms are infested with bedbugs, the food provided here is hard to digest,” complained R. Manjunath.

Nagabhushan, a native of Tumkur, said they have gone without electricity for four days.

Hostel warden C.T. Venkatesh, along with angry students, blocked Prof. Mylarappa's entry saying that these were “mere visits that yielded no results”.

Visual Arts Centre

Costing around Rs. 4 crore, the Centre for Visual Arts was an ambitious project that was started about four years ago. The architecturally sophisticated building was meant to be the ideal launch pad for artists.

Though nearly Rs. 2.5 crore spent already, it remains unoccupied.

The extension of the Centre for Applied Genetics was being built at a cost of Rs. 40 lakh. Mahesh, the engineer from the company that is constructing the eight-room building, said only the finishing remained.

But due to non-payment of the contractor's dues, classes are being conducted in furniture-less classrooms.

Pool, health centre

There have been no swimming classes for physical education students for the last four years, and its disuse has affected the tiles of the pool.

The health centre can accommodate just two in-patients, and has only two doctors and a nurse for staff.

The toilets at athe centre are unusable as the doors are broken, and the building itself is in need of urgent repair.http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2873705.ece

Science PG courses by KSOU

Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) Vice-Chancellor K S Rangappa said KSOU, which is taking education to the door steps of people through distance mode, will start MSc in Physics and Chemistry on its Vigyan Bhavan campus. He said Vigyan Bhavan will be constructed at the cost of `22 crore.

“When Hayward University can start science courses online, why can’t KSOU offer science courses to those who cannot pursue studies in conventional universities,” he said.

The varsity will extend distance education through online and distance mode with an objective to emphasise basic science courses, he added. Observing that nothing can be achieved without basic science, he said there is no Nobel laureate with basic science knowledge.�

Rangappa said that India with a good number of� bureaucrats still needs to produce good faculty, scientists, engineers, economists and doctors.

He said there is no bureaucratic interference in the field of higher education in other countries. However, the Vision Group of Science and Technology spends a lot of money and has focused on inter disciplinary subjects. He called upon teachers to ask students to tap resources and programmes that were launched by both the state and Union governments for encouraging students in basic science course.

He said the country with a lot of human resource needs good faculty who can inspire and groom young scientists.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/science-pg-courses-by-ksou/228661-60-115.html

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Schools will start from 9.30 am, says Kageri

Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Vishveshwara Hegde Kageri on Saturday assured the members of the Karnataka State Aided Primary School Teachers Association that the first bell in schools would ring at 9.30 am as against the decision that was taken by the Department of Public Instruction.

Teachers allegedly complained that changing the timings to 8.30 am was problematic. “It will be difficult for us to reach schools that early,” said the members of the Association.

In response, Kageri said, “I want to assure you that schools will start at 9.30 am. I will inform the officials to not make any changes to this. It is my prerogative to take a decision on this and I am confident that those under me will do as I decide.”

The minister also declared that the government was contemplating the implementation of Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR) of 1.30 (one teacher for thirty students). “With Right to Education (RTE) Act is impending in the State, we are looking at including teachers from aided schools while implementing the 1.30 PTR,” said Kageri.

According to sources in Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, the State will need 2,500 additional teachers in aided schools if the 1:30 PTR is to be implementedhttp://ibnlive.in.com/news/schools-will-start-from-930-am-says-kageri/229507-60-115.html

Rs 22 Crore sanctioned to varsities

To bring Classical language status to Kannada, the state government has sanctioned Rs 2 crore each to 11 state universities to publish reputed works that are yet to be published and reprint some rare works of popular writers, said Minister for Kannada and Culture Govinda Karjol.

The Kuvempu Bhasha Bharathi Academy translated outstanding works in Marathi, English, Hindi and other languages into Kannada. He added that the government has released Rs 60 lakh for bringing out all Vachanas of Basavanna in 13 volumes.

He added that in North Karnataka, Rs 10 lakh was released for the Hampi University to translate documents in Modi language, a mixture of Kannada, Urdu and Marathi, belonging to Peshve Maratha period.http://ibnlive.in.com/news/rs-22-crore-sanctioned-to-varsities/229519-60-115.html

Ekalavya school to be opened in Ch’nagar

Rs 12 crore approved for construction at Mangala

Union panchayat raj minister V Kishorechandra Deo would lay the foundation stone for the construction of an Ekalavya Model Residential School at Mangala in Kollegal taluk on February 11.

For the year 2010-11, Karnataka has been granted six Ekalavya schools with two for Chamarajanagar Lok Sabha constituency. The remaining schools would be opened in Gulbarga, Chitradurga, Tumkur and Bellary districts.

Funds of Rs 12 crore has been approved for schools at Mangala in Chamarajanagar taluk and at Sollepura in H D Kote, which belong to the Chamarajanagar Lok Sabha constituency. While Sollepura is yet to receive land, the school would be built at Ramanagudda in Mangala on 19.31 acres. The schools would function on the lines of Navodaya Schools.

Class six to 12Students can pursue their education from class six to 12th in Ekalavya Schools. Social welfare minister Narayanaswamy and district-in-charge minister M P Renukacharya would participate in the programme, said MP R Dhruvanarayan.

The construction at Sollepura is delayed due to unavailability of land. In these two schools, 75 per cent of the seats have been reserved for students of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes. The work is expected to be completed within19 months.

Kendriya VidyalayaDhruvanarayan said that if a building with 20 rooms is available in the district headquarters, then a Kendriya Vidyalaya would be opened temporarily from the next academic year. Five acres has been identified near Madapura for the construction of a building, he added.

The district administration had failed in sending a complete report to the central government owing to which there has been a delay in setting-up a Kendriya Vidyalaya. A central team has visited the city and said that they would give permission if a suitable building is found. K Mahadev, K Eshwar, Siddaraju, B K Ravikumar, Chandru and others were present.

Upgrading NH-209MP R Dhruvanarayan said the central government has come forward to develop National Highway 209, which passes through the district. He said National Highways Authority of India has prepared a blueprint of the plan. A 109 km highway would be developed from the Nice Road Junction in Bangalore. Of this, 82 km would be new roads and bypass would be prepared at necessary places. A bypass would also be made near Chamarajanagar.

A proposal has been submitted to the Centre to convert the Chamarajanagar-Nanjangud Road into a national highway. This road would be included in the second phase of the project. As the condition of the road has deteriorated, public works department would complete the tender process by March.

Proposal for providing railway line between Chamarajanagar and Kengeri, with equal cost sharing by central and state governments has been sent to the railway ministry, he added.http://www.deccanherald.com/content/225962/ekalavya-school-opened-chnagar.html

To bifurcate or not to bifurcate
(http://www.deccanherald.com/content/227569/to-bifurcate-not-bifurcate.html)

Will the sudden demise of V S Acharya, Minister for Higher Education, change the power equation in Bangalore University (BU)? And will the sudden turn of events delay the bifurcation of India’s largest university?

Those in the know say BU’s division that had become imminent, owing to Acharya’s keen interest, might be put off for now, as the State government has more important things to attend to at present. Besides, the matter will depend hugely on Acharya’s successor. A highly placed source, who was close to the departed leader, however, disagrees slightly. “It is true that Acharya’s successor will influence the decision to divide or not to divide the university immediately. But the matter has reached such a point that any delay would only embarrass the government,” a senior BU functionary said, on condition of anonymity.

Acharya was so keen on bifurcating the university that he had got the green signal from Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda. “We expect the CM to allocate some funds for BU bifurcation in the State Budget for 2012-13,” the functionary added. According to former MLC, K Narahari, who was part of the seven-member committee that chalked out the bifurcation plan last year, it would all rest on the new minister. “I’m not sure if the bifurcation issue will be put on the back burner. It would very much depend on the personal interest of Acharya’s successor,” Narahari told Deccan Herald.

The BU bifurcation issue is a tricky one. Vice Chancellor N Prabhu Dev has been strongly opposed to the idea and argued that bifurcation of the university would take the sheen off BU. In the words of one of his aides, the BU bifurcation is a “classic case of political appeasement”. The Karnataka State Higher Education Council approved the bifurcation plan long ago, but Dev managed to scuttle it. Hence, the scheme literally remained on paper.

Acharya, however, stayed patient. Not a great admirer of Dev, the late leader had criticised him on various issues. He was also instrumental in appointing Dev’s bête noire B C Mylarappa the university’s Registrar (Administration), following the Kolar PG Centre fiasco. Besides, Acharya kept the BU bifurcation plan alive to the effect that the government was about to appoint a Special Officer (SO) for the new university. Dev, however, managed to delay it. And Acharya’s sudden passing away has only bolstered his chances. Mylarappa, one of the strong candidates for the SO’s post, is confident that the new minister will take “keen interest” in bifurcating BU. “I hope the VC does not have much to do. It is now beyond him. He cannot scuttle the project any more,”.

From next academic year on the merger of IITJEE & AIEEE will lead to Indian Science Engineering Eligibility Test (ISEET) which will be held in two phases as main examination and advanced examination in April & May next year (via).

Earlier HRD Ministry after hearing opinions from T Ramaswamy Committe had meetings with IIT Council & NIT Council and drafted the plan to hold a single engineering entrance test through out the country. IIITs too have agreed for the proposal, the test which will be called Indian Science Engineering Eligibility Test (ISEET) in it’s debut year will only be an entrance gate way for IITs, NITs, IIITs and few centrally funded universities.

Apart from the merger of IITJEE & AIEEE HRD Ministry wants to tweak the selection process; selection to these prestigious institutes will now be linked with board marks also (nearly 40% weightage will be given to Class XII marks). This idea is disliked by many students who prepare for IITJEE; such students who concentrate to get into IITs will take minimum classes and represent in their board exams and majority of time is spent in their coaching institutes dwelling into JEE preparation. HRD Ministry and the Government of India wants to put a break to such activities.

http://blog.careermitra.com/2012/02/indian-science-engineering-eligibility-test-replace-iitjee-aieee/

Don't understand what intention behind this. :bash: Central govt specially targeting south India from where India's 50% engineers produced every year.

Now they are centralizing education system ...what next ?

They should give more freedom to the states.

http://blog.careermitra.com/2012/02/indian-science-engineering-eligibility-test-replace-iitjee-aieee/

Don't understand what intention behind this. :bash: Central govt specially targeting south India from where India's 50% engineers produced every year.

Now they are centralizing education system ...what next ?

They should give more freedom to the states.

Having a central exam will not deter states' policies for admiting students.. insted of looking into CET scores, colleges will look at the new exam scores.. the criteria for admission being the same as in CET.. but i seriously feel bad about scrapping off IIT JEE.. Its really bad.. having cleared it, i feel that it was the only indian exam which tested application of our learning and not merely checking our 'mugg'ability.. thats done in board exams.. and considering board marks for admission is unfair as the difficulty and syllabus of boards are different.. my friends who took PUC got awesome marks even though they were not better while those in CBSE would slog off and still get only 88-92% :ohno: there is a lot for us to debate over this.. i agree we indians are not used to changes but kapil sibal is acting like a monkey and living up to his name (kapi) :ohno:
i hope the next government restores the existing system.. kick out bummers like sibal and PM..

Proposal to give functional autonomy to colleges opposed

University of Mysore's plan to give functional autonomy to degree colleges to conduct examinations and evaluate answer scripts of the first four semesters of the three-year degree courses came under sever criticism in the Acdemic Council meeting held on Saturday.

The issue, raised by dean B Shivaraj, did not find many takers at the meeting. Preeti, a member of the council and a first semester student of BBM said at the meeting that the plan would create several openings for manipulation. "If our answer scripts are evaluated at the college level, it is open for influences and manipulations. The present system is better," she said.

Opposing the plan registrar (evaluation) B Ramu said that the proposal would question the credibility of the examination system of the varsity. "There are chances for malpractices to increase. The colleges are likely to face more pressure from parents and other quarters to give their wards better marks," he said.

Speaking at the meeting vice-chancellor V G Talawar said that he would soon convene a meeting of principals and students to discuss the issue.

Meanwhile, the outsourcing of the examination works was questioned by several members at the meeting. They said that the outsourcing was a window to commit malpractices. This came after Ramu admitted that data entry by outsiders led to manipulation of the marks cards.

Reacting to the allegations, registrar said that he could not do away with the outsourcing. "University is facing a shortage of manpower and many of our employees lack computer skills. We have introduced new measures to ensure the process is foolproof," he said.

He also informed that criminal cases had been booked against eight people in 2009 marks cards scam. In 2009, 458 students were declared as passed even though they had failed.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/Proposal-to-give-functional-autonomy-to-colleges-opposed/articleshow/11946515.cms

Oxford University Press (OUP) the department of the University of Oxford, which has publishing operations in India since 1912 is involved in a school publishing programme. It publishes e-learning/digital chapter wise material, most of which is free of cost for SSC, ICSE and CBSE syllabus aiding teaching and learning. Now, with 5 years behind it, OUP would focus on tier II cities.
On OUP’s radar are small towns and tier II cities like Gorakhpur, Faizabad, Hissar, Rohtak, Gulbarga, Tumkur, Siliguri, Haldia, Rourkela, Tumkur, Aurangabad, Nashik, Trichur and Tirunavelli.

"We publish material in the form of CDs and printed text, which teachers can make use of while in the classroom and students too can use content made suitable for them to be able to understand concepts in a better way. We formulate these teaching aids only from kindergarten to 8th grade. These materials are not a substitute for books,” Ranjan Kaul, director, publishing, Oxford University Press said.

Close to 11,000 schools have signed up so far with OUP’s courses for various subjects like English, Mathematics, environmental studies, Science, Computer Science, History, and Geography. The department markets its offerings directly to schools and that is how it channels through to its target audiences teachers and students. Its supplementary school texts cover all subjects and claims it is the market leader in the English language module. It also publishes atlases and dictionaries.
The material for students is for in-school-use and something to look at and practice at home along as texts and online course content. Difficult concepts are explained through interactive exercises and animations that cab be used either on white boards or any simple projection system. Online resources include worksheets, lesson plans, class assignments and question banks. Most of the content is free except the printed course material for students which costs ranging from Rs 100-Rs 180 per text book.

OUP also has teacher training programmes wherein it educates and grooms teachers on how to teach better in a way that students absorb faster. These sessions are also free for teachers and around 65,000 teachers have attended these programmes during last year.
Specific courses have been created to provide a variety of downloadable resources to teachers who use OUP India's school courses. These teacher-empowerment materials include modules on strategies that work in a classroom, relevant write- ups, and skill- building resources.

Source: http://www.business-standard.com/ind...cities/465148/ (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/oxford-university-press-to-focustier-ii-cities/465148/)

Only 10 colleges apply for autonomy

Only 10 colleges from the state have applied for autonomy to the University Grants Commission (UGC) in the past one year. There are more than 3,000 colleges in Maharashtra.
At present, only around 20 colleges of the 350-odd autonomous colleges across the country are from Maharashtra.
Tamil Nadu has the greatest number of autonomous colleges, with around 150, followed by Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.

"This (Maharashtra's figure) is low compared to the size of the state in the field of higher education," said G Srinivas, joint secretary of the UGC's Pune and Hyderabad regional centres, on the sidelines of a two-day principals' conference on Sunday.

"There is not much interest in autonomy from Maharashtra, there is a lot of bitterness and opposition due to several misapprehensions."

While the University of Mumbai has more than 600 affiliated colleges, only four institutions have gained autonomy in the past two years.http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/Only-10-colleges-apply-for-autonomy/Article1-814021.aspx

Karnataka colleges keen to set up rooftop solar systems

Colleges in Karnataka are evincing interest in setting up rooftop solar systems to meet their captive power demands.

Karantaka's nodal agency to facilitate the development of non-conventional energy, Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL), is working with colleges to help set up the rooftop solar systems.

“The power generated from the rooftop solar systems can be used to captive consumption and the rest can be sold to the grid,” Mr N.S. Prasanna Kumar, Managing Director, KREDL, told Business Line.

“Colleges have captive consumption of about 750 KW of power and also have large rooftops, so they can set up projects of 1MW or 2 MW and harness solar power,” he pointed out.

The colleges can work in collaboration with solar developers to set up systems, and can chose to work on different financing models to set up the system, Mr Kumar said.

According to him, in cases where the entire system is funded by the developer, colleges can purchase the power from the developer and KREDL will have a 25-year PPA (power purchase agreement) to purchase excess power.

“If the developer opts out of the PPA and prefers to sell it to a third-party buyer, the power should be supplied free-of-cost to the college,” Mr Kumar said.

Another model could be where the college invests part of the money for the system and gets a 30 per cent funding from MNRE, he added.

It would typically cost about Rs 200/watt, which converts into about Rs 20 lakh for a 10 kW system, to generate about 40 units of green power a day.

According to Mr Kumar, St Johns College, Bangalore has set up a 100 KW system and several other colleges such as Dayanand Sagar College of Engineering are keen on setting up systems like these.

These efforts by KREDL are in sync with the national aim to have distributed solar power systems across the country apart from grid connected solar projects, so as to enable individual households, office buildings and academic institutions to generate and consume captive power.

As part of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, the country aims at reaching 1000 MW by 2017 and 2000 MW by 2022 from off grid applications. http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/economy/article2913524.ece?homepage=true&ref=wl_home

Oxford University Press to focus on tier-II cities

Oxford University Press (OUP) the department of the University of Oxford, which has publishing operations in India since 1912 is involved in a school publishing programme. It publishes e-learning/digital chapter wise material, most of which is free of cost for SSC, ICSE and CBSE syllabus aiding teaching and learning. Now, with 5 years behind it, OUP would focus on tier II cities.

On OUP’s radar are small towns and tier II cities like Gorakhpur, Faizabad, Hissar, Rohtak, Gulbarga, Tumkur, Siliguri, Haldia, Rourkela, Tumkur, Aurangabad, Nashik, Trichur and Tirunavelli.

"We publish material in the form of CDs and printed text, which teachers can make use of while in the classroom and students too can use content made suitable for them to be able to understand concepts in a better way. We formulate these teaching aids only from kindergarten to 8th grade. These materials are not a substitute for books,” Ranjan Kaul, director, publishing, Oxford University Press said.

Close to 11,000 schools have signed up so far with OUP’s courses for various subjects like English, Mathematics, environmental studies, Science, Computer Science, History, and Geography. The department markets its offerings directly to schools and that is how it channels through to its target audiences teachers and students. Its supplementary school texts cover all subjects and claims it is the market leader in the English language module. It also publishes atlases and dictionaries.

The material for students is for in-school-use and something to look at and practice at home along as texts and online course content. Difficult concepts are explained through interactive exercises and animations that cab be used either on white boards or any simple projection system. Online resources include worksheets, lesson plans, class assignments and question banks. Most of the content is free except the printed course material for students which costs ranging from Rs 100-Rs 180 per text book.

OUP also has teacher training programmes wherein it educates and grooms teachers on how to teach better in a way that students absorb faster. These sessions are also free for teachers and around 65,000 teachers have attended these programmes during last year.

Specific courses have been created to provide a variety of downloadable resources to teachers who use OUP India's school courses. These teacher-empowerment materials include modules on strategies that work in a classroom, relevant write- ups, and skill- building resources.http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/oxford-university-press-to-focustier-ii-cities/465148/

Bellary a hub for CA coaching

The city hit the headlines in recent times for illegal mining. But Bellary is gaining fame for becoming of a hub of chartered accountants. With over 100 practising CAs, the city boasts of a vibrant branch of the South India Regional Council, Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

While coaching classes to crack the chartered accountancy exams have mushroomed here, they're so much in demand that fees have been hiked so much that middle class students are finding it difficult. The Bellary institute has now started coaching classes too.

read more:- http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-02-18/mysore/31074318_1_coaching-classes-chartered-accountants-bellary

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2012/02/21/20120221aD004100003.jpg

NIT Karmataka to help MHRD to launch virtual labs
(http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_nit-karmataka-to-help-mhrd-to-launch-virtual-labs_1654577)
The National Institute of Technology-Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal, will launch six virtual labs in different branches of engineering and technology in association with the ministry of human resources development (MHRD).

“These labs will give better visibility to the students in executing projects and research, we are working on different platform as per the directions of Union HRD minister Kapil Sibal and one of the virtual labs we developed for chemistry was already functioning,” said director of NITK, Sandeep Sancheti.

“This is the singular honour given to NITK by the MHRD after bestowing the confidence on NITK last year to be the Central Counselling Board for all NIT admissions,” Sancheti said.

In another development, NITK signed a memorandum of understanding with Bangalore-based processor maker, AMD, to create heterogeneous computing, and developing open CL (language).

Mangalore University launches re-designed website

Mangalore University Vice-Chancellor T.C. Shivashankara Murthy launched the re-designed website of the university — www.mangaloreuniversity.ac.in — at a function at the university on Tuesday.

Professor Murthy said the website was more user-friendly although there was scope for improvement. It had been designed in such a way that most of the information could be accessed by a single click.

He said the banner area on the homepage gave visual background containing photographs of the places on the campus. A search option on the home page made it easy to locate the desired information. Mr. Murthy said application forms and examination-related application forms were available on the site for downloading. In the department section details of courses and teachers teaching them had been provided. So that parents could know the qualifications of teachers teaching them.http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2944646.ece

CM LAYS FOUNDATION STONE FOR ADMINISTRATIVE BHAVAN AT KSOU

Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda released two volumes of Mysore Darshana series and layed foundation for the Administrative Bhavan of Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) at Cauvery auditorium in KSOU premises here yesterday.

The books focus on the heritage, history, topography, festivals, folklore, literature and various other aspects of the city.

Lauding the work of KSOU in bringing out an exhaustive and informative book, Sadananda Gowda advised the gathering to have a positive thinking and approach in any endeavour.

Kannada and Culture Minister Govind Karjola, said that after Kannada was given classical status, the govt. has released Rs. 2 crore grant each to all the Universities in the State to organise programmes for the development of Kannada literature. The two books brought out by KSOU are the proud contribution of the State, he said and assured to get the book translated to other languages.

District In-Charge Minister S.A. Ramdas was the chief guest. Prasaranga Hon. Director D.K. Rajendra and Registrar B.S. Vishwanath were present. http://www.starofmysore.com

Bangalore, March 8 2012, DHNS:

The State Cabinet on Thursday approved a draft bill to set up the M S Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, a private university on the lines of Azim Premji University, in Bangalore.

Briefing reporters about the Cabinet decisions, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister S Suresh Kumar said the M S Ramaiah group had come forward to set up the university.

The group has already invested Rs 100 crore on building infrastructure.

An additional Rs 150 crore will be spent in the next five years for the proposed varsity.

The university will be self-financed and there will be no financial burden on the State government.

It will offer courses in technical, medical, management, naturopathy, doctoral studies and life sciences.

The bill will be placed before the coming session of the State legislature, the minister said.

The Cabinet approved a Rs seven-crore project to construct a multipurpose industrial exhibition centre in Hubli.

A special purpose vehicle called the Hubli-Dharwad Exhibition Centre will be set up to implement the project.

While the State government will bear 85 per cent of the cost, the Hubli-Dharwad Chamber of Commerce will spend 15 per cent, the Minister Suresh Kumar said.

Term extended

The Cabinet extended the term of the A J Sadashiva Commission of Inquiry till May 31, 2012.

The Commission’s term had expired in December 2011. It had sought extension of time as it wanted to compile all information it had collected over the years, Kumar said. The Commission was set up in 2005 to review discrimination of and inequitable distribution of constitutional benefits to Scheduled Castes in the State. It is one of the longest serving Commissions of Inquiry in the State. Kumar, who also holds the Bangalore water supply portfolio, said the cabinet did not discuss the proposed revision of water tariff by the BWSSB.

Other Cabinet approvals

* Allotment of residential sites to those who lost their lands for the Hubli airport expansion project
* Special development package of Rs 50 crore for Chikkaballapur district
* Construction of yatrinivas at Adichunchanagiri kshetra at a cost of Rs five crore
* Rs 24.6-crore water supply and UDG project for Kukke Subramanya
* A Rs 20.71-crore water supply project for Jamkhandi town
* A Rs 5.70-crore water supply project for Bellavi and five surrounding villages in Tumkur district
* Sanction of Rs 8.06 crore for drinking water project and Rs 17 crore for underground drain works in Kukke Subramanya, Sullia, Dakshina Kannada

State Budget on March 21

The Cabinet decided to convene the budget session of the State legislature from March 20. However, Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda will present the budget on March 21 as the session would pay tribute to late V S Acharya on March 20.

DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/233048/draft-bill-pvt-varsity-okayed.html)

It is better to establish new educational institutes in water rich districts like Udupi & UK instead of Bengaluru which reals under water shortage. UK is a eco-sensitive zone hence educational & research institutes are more suited to UK. IT/BT also fine. UK & Udupi are energy surplus districts of Karnataka. UK being close to Goa airport should not be a problem.

110 schools to have playgrounds

Work can be taken up under MGNREGS too

All those government primary schools, which do not have playgrounds will get playgrounds within a year.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan district co-ordinator Shivaprakash said that 110 government primary schools do not have playgrounds in the district. A proposal has already been submitted to the government through Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan to allot land to have playgrounds in these schools. The work on playgrounds can be taken up under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) as well.

White paper on toilets

As per the direction of the Supreme Court, all the schools must have toilets by March 31, 2012.
Accordingly, preparations are on for issuing a white paper on toilet facilities in schools in Dakshina Kannada.

Shivaprakash said “all the 1,181 primary schools including 955 government schools have toilets, as per the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court. We are also conducting a re survey to make sure that all the schools have toilet facilities. The survey will be completed by March 20. After the survey, the Deputy Commissioner will issue a white paper on the same before March 31,” he said.

All the Block Education Officers and head teachers of the schools have already confirmed in writing that all the schools in their jurisdiction have toilet facilities. Dakshina Kannada has seven education blocks with 114 clusters.

Under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, as many as 108 disabled-friendly toilets have been constructed in 108 schools in the last two years, at the cost of Rs 50,000 each.

“We have submitted a proposal to the government to construct disabled-friendly toilets in all the schools in its Action Plan for 2012-13. We have identified 13 schools, which will require additional toilets, which will be constructed during 2012-13.”

At the same time, all the schools have water facility. There are few schools which have three sources of water i.e well, borewell and panchayat water connection. All the schools in Dakshina Kannada have basic infrastructure of electricity as well.

Two school buildings which are under construction at Nadupadavu and Kundadka are yet to get the electricity connection, he said.

All the government schools in Dakshina Kannada can also boast of having a library. Under SSA, grant of Rs 3,000 to Rs 13,000 was given to the schools to purchase books for the library, he said.

During 2012-13, 33,200 metres compound wall for the school property will be constructed in Dakshina Kannada district.

“We have also asked for furniture for 23,000 students this year, so that the old furniture can be replaced. At the same time, a proposal of Rs three crore has been submitted to the government for repairing the school buildings in the district.”

Teacher-students ratio

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan district coordinator Shivaprakash said that as per the Right To Education Act, the teacher and the students ratio should be 1:30. In Dakshina Kannada, the average teacher-students ratio is 1:24.

“Under SSA, we have sought funds for the construction of four additional classrooms during 2012-13. As 13 schools do not have a separate head masters’ room, the construction of the same has been included in the proposal for 2012-13.” http://www.deccanherald.com/content/233973/110-schools-have-playgrounds.html

UAS receives grant of Rs. 50 crore in budget

The University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad, stands to gain from Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee's announcement in the Union Budget on Friday that Rs. 50 crore in special grants would be allocated to the university.

Speaking to The Hindu , Vice-Chancellor R.R. Hanchinal said the Department of Agricultural Research and Education had identified UAS, Dharwad, as one of the top five farm universities in the country and the special grants were been announced as an incentive, he said. About the plans to utilise the funds, Prof. Hanchinal said the varsity would set up farmers' knowledge centres (FKCs) to build a network between farmers, scientists as well as students of agricultural sciences.

Prof. Hanchinal said the UAS had been providing vital information via SMS to 70,000 farmers in seven districts on the steps to be taken to control pest attack, on yield enhancement, manure supply and yield rates in respective Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees . This facility would be extended to more farmers, and the varsity would provide videoconferencing facility at the hobli level, he said.

Value addition

Prof Hanchinal said he planned to introduce a scheme to train farmers in adding value to their produce so that they could get higher prices in the market. A new undergraduate course in Food Science and Technology would be introduced. At present, the course was run by the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore. But only a limited number of students could get admission there as the State's quota was less. UAS,Dharwad, would introduce the course with an intake of 50, with a state-of-the-art laboratory and other learning facilities, Prof. Hanchinal added.http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article3005195.ece

Rs. 10 crore for Pali research centre

The sanction of Rs. 10 crore for the establishment of a Pali language research centre at the city-based Siddharth Vihar Trust in the Union Budget 2012-13 has brought cheer to lovers of Pali here.

The trust, which is headed by Union Minister for Labour and Employment M. Mallikarjun Kharge has set up a Buddha Vihar and Buddhist stupa in the Buddha Vihar complex adjacent to Gulbarga University.

The vihar and stupa were formally inaugurated by President Pratibha Patil in 2009, and the Dalai Lama visited the vihar to perform a special puja and give discourses later that year. The research centre in the Pali language would help in taking up the study of the over 100 volumes of Gautam Buddha's preachings and over 300 volumes of other Buddhist literature in Pali language. Mr. Kharge was instrumental in constructing the Buddha Vihar which is rapidly becoming a major Buddhist study centre. The trust has plans to establish an international study centre of Buddhist literature and has established a library with a rich collection of books in different languages, including Pali.

The Government had sanctioned Rs. 1 crore for establishing a Pali research and study centre at Gulbarga University. The Union Minister had appealed to the Government to sanction Rs. 10 crore to the trust to establish the centre. .http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article3005161.ece

New chapter in KSU Act for private varsities

With the number of applications for the establishment of private universities growing in the State, the Karnataka State Higher Education Council (KSHEC), a statutory body constituted by the State government, has prepared a draft for a new chapter to be included in the Karnataka State Universities (KSU) Act, 2000, which prescribes the mandatory conditions to be met by the private universities.

The draft will specify the minimum land, minimum deposit and other prerequisites to start a private university in the State.

At present, due to lack of a common framework, every new university is governed by an act of its own.

“Our draft for a new chapter in the Karnataka State Universities Act lays down quality parameters that private universities have to adhere to get established. Also, the state-of-affairs is such that there is a need to clearly define the jurisdiction (qualitative and physical) of every private university,” said Dr S C Sharma, vice-chairman, Karnataka State Higher Education Council.

With this, the Council intends to encourage private universities and provide a significant degree of academic freedom.

“For instance, the establishment of an autonomous state-of-the-art Aerospace Engineering university would have to go through a lot of government interference. There has to be academic freedom with less state intervention. That is one of the ideas behind this draft,” added Dr Sharma.

The draft for a new chapter to govern private universities comes in the backdrop of the State Cabinet recently approving a draft bill to set up the M S Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, a private university, on the lines of Azim Premji University set up in the city.

“Considering the expected increase in the number of applications for private universities, there is a need to define minimum standards for these varsities,” he said.

However, the draft is still with the KSHEC as the absence of a Minister for Higher Education (who is also the chairperson of the KSHEC) is hindering its passage to the state government. Minister Archarya died recently. “Once we have a chairperson, the draft will be sent to the government,” said Dr Sharma. http://ibnlive.in.com/news/new-chapter-in-ksu-act-for-private-varsities/240485-60-119.html

Folk varsity inauguration soon

The State government will soon announce yet another date for inauguration of Janapada (folk) University at Gottagudi in Shiggaon of Haveri district.

Speaking to media after releasing the Kannada Janapada Nighantu (folk dictionary) in the City on Saturday, Chief Minster D V Sadananda Gowda said there won’t be further delay in the inauguration of the university. The budgetary allocation of Rs 7.7 crore would be used to develop the institution.

Gowda made the announcement following the request by Chairperson of the Karnataka Janapada Academy Go Ru Channabasappa, lexicographer G Venkatasubbaiah, Kannada Development Authority Chairperson Mukhyamantri Chandru.

The then Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa had announced the plan to set up the university in the 2010-11 budget. Ambalike Hiriyanna as the vice-chancellor and C A Somashekarappa as registrar have already assumed office. But, the inauguration was postponed twice for not known reasons.

The chief minister also said the term of Go Ru Channabasappa as chariperson of the Academy, which expired on Saturday, has been extended till the inauguration of the university.

The folklore dictionary, brought out jointly by KDA and Karnataka Janapada Academy, runs into three editions, comprising 1,144 pages with meaning of 50,000 words and phrases.

Channabasappa said books and dictionaries on folklore published previously were limited to certain regions in the State and the new dictionary addresses the lacuna.

The committee, which has brought out the dictionary, has referred over 400 books and interacted with people from all districts of the State.

The chief minister said that the copies of the dictionary would be circulated to all university and government libraries in the State.http://www.deccanherald.com/content/238648/folk-varsity-inauguration-soon.html

Bill to Establish Manipal University Introduced in Assembly

The leading group of educational institutions in coastal Karnataka, the Manipal Education Foundation, has come forward to establish a private university in the State.

A legislative bill, the Manipal University Bill 2012, was introduced in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on the last day of the current budget session of the House by Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister S Suresh Kumar on Friday.

The minister, who introduced a record number of legislative bills in the House, explained that the Manipal Education Foundation has come forward to establish the private university in the State.

The establishment of a private university by a well-known organization would certainly help in spreading the quality of education to the needy students, he said.

This would also accelerate the establishment of gross enrolment ratio in the higher education sector which presently stands at 11.5 per cent in the State, according to the statement of objectives in the bill.

The private university focuses on teaching, training and research and development in various fields.

Another similar legislation was in favour of the Arka Educational and Cultural Trust, which has also decided to set up an open university in the State through the Arka University Bill, 2012, and it would focuses on teaching, training and research and development in various fields.

The Karnataka University of Agricultural Sciences and Certain other Law (Amendment) Bill, 2012, was also tabled to amend the University of Agricultural Sciences Act, 2009 and the University of Horticultural Sciences Act, 2009.

The Bill aimed to provide for the establishment of a separate University of Agricultural Sciences and Horticultural Sciences at Shimoga to conduct study and research in the filed of special crops in the malnad area, comprising Hassan, Chickmagalur, Shimoga, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu and Davanagere districts.

The Karnataka Municipal Corporations and Certain Other Law (Amendment) Bill, 2012, was also tabled to set up a State Urban Transport Fund to finance initiatives and capacity building in urban transport with budgetary support and amount to be raised through cess on property tax.

Another Bill titled (Same title) the Karnataka Municipal Corporations and Certain Other Law (Amendment) Bill, 2012, was tabled to replace the ordinance promulgated on March 14, 2012.

One of the conditions laid down by 13th Finance Commission for grant of performance grants to local bodies to entrust the supervision and technical audit of local bodies to Comptroller and Auditory General (CAG). The condition is to be met by the government before the end of March 2012.

Other Bills tabled in the Assembly are: Karnataka Municipal Corporations (Amendment) Bill, 2012; Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Science University (Amendment) Bill, 2012; the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2012; and Karnataka State Open University (Amendment) Bill, 2012.



Bill for Regulating Seats/Fees in Professional Courses Passed

The Karnataka Professional Educational Institutions (Regulatory of Admission and Fixation of Fee) (Special Provisions) Bill, 2012, that provided recognition of the consensual agreement proposed to be entered into between the State Government and the private educational institutions regarding seats and fees for professional courses for 2012-13 academic year was passed in the Assembly.

The Bill pointed out that the Government had entered into consensual agreement with managements of unaided private educational institutions regarding admission as well as fee structure for Karnataka students and those belonging to the backward classes for 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2011-11 and 2011-12.

To protect the interests of such students, the Government had proposed a consensual agreement again with professional educational institutions for 2012-13.

To facilitate such an arrangement, it was necessary to keep in abeyance the Karnataka Professional Educational Institutions (Regulation of Admission and Determination of Fee) Act 2006 for the academic years 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13.

Krishna Byre Gowda, Sharan Prakash Patil, A Manju, D K Shivakumar, A B Malakaraddy, and several other Congress members strongly objected to the Bill stating that it would not able to control dominance of private managements in the education.

Manju said that seats in reputed colleges get booked before the conduct examinations while Patil said Consortium of Medical, Engineering and Dental Karnataka (COMED-K) has failed to ensure transparency in the conduct of entrance tests.

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister defended the Bill sand said that the objective of the Bill was to ensure affordable and accessible education to poor students.

The Bill envisaged appointment of one-man regulatory committee to oversee the admission of students inprofessional courses.http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=132682

Mangalore, Mysore students top RGUHS ranks

Students from Mangalore and Mysore have jointly grabbed this year's top two medical ranks in RGUHS while Keerthi P Hudedagaddi from MS Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore, has got the third spot.

Vishwajeeth K Pai from AJ Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalore, and Joshi Anum Bharat from AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, bagged the first rank with eight gold medals each. Pooja Prakash Prabhu of JSS Medical College, Mysore, came second with four gold medals.

read more:- http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-30/bangalore/31260487_1_medals-central-college-bangalore-university

Colleges accept 10% hike in fees

The Karnataka Private Unaided Engineering Colleges' Association has agreed to the government's decision of 10% fee hike for all professional courses from the next academic year. The association held a meeting with colleges on Sunday and decided on go ahead with the move. "We have no other option but to say yes to the government's decision. Exams are already over and counselling sessions will begin soon. There is no time for any more negotiations," said Panduranga Sheety, vice-president, Karnataka Private Unaided Engineering Colleges' Association.

The association will write to chief minister DV Sadananda Gowda on Monday, giving its consent.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Colleges-accept-10-hike-in-fees/articleshow/12498487.cms