KOCHI: The Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) has submitted a revised proposal for getting upgraded into a world-class technological institution to the Union Ministry of Human Resources Development. The estimate is Rs. 790 crores.

The new proposal has been prepared based on a direction given by an expert team, which visited the campus on December 12.

From upgrade of engineering and technology departments to improvement of ICT (information, communication and technology) infrastructure, the revised proposal has prioritised programmes to be introduced during the next five years.

B.Tech. programmes in 11 streams will be strengthened. Engineering programmes on the campus will come under a single department. Departments offering similar programmes will be grouped under a new school. Laboratories will be modernised. The estimate for strengthening academic programmes is Rs. 191.3 crores.

For maintenance and improvement of buildings on the campus, the estimate is Rs. 21.3 crores.

New buildings, with modern amenities, will be constructed. Multi-storeyed, air-conditioned lecture hall-cum-seminar complex, with modern facilities, will come up. Hostels will be set up for students. A sum of Rs. 250 crores has been sought for new buildings, hostels and apartments.

New academic programmes will be introduced. Departments in emerging areas of science and technology will be set up. Some of the areas identified include petroleum engineering, town and country architecture planning and aerospace engineering. For new academic programmes, the estimate is Rs. 34 crores.

Additional research laboratories will be created in new areas of research.

The varsity has been considering various proposals from postgraduate departments in this regard. An estimated Rs. 25 crores has been earmarked for setting up additional research laboratories.

A central conference complex will come up on the campus. Other proposals include setting up a 10-storey complex, with an auditorium, to house around 2,000 students, a food court, digital class rooms, seminar hall, reprography centre, internet kiosks, cafeteria and a travel desk. The estimated budget for a state-of-the art lecture and conference complex is Rs. 100 crores.

University library, computer centre, Sophisticated Test and Instrumentation Centre, Centre for National Technical Manpower Information System and Centre for Science in Society on the campus will be upgraded. The estimate for this project is Rs. 50 crores.

A wi-fi network will be introduced. Bulletin boards for electronic display of notices and messages will be set up. An estimated Rs. 10 crores will be need for this project.

A Rs. 30-crore plan for setting up health centre, gymkhana, canteen, cafeteria, sports complex and swimming pool will be initiated as part of the project. For landscaping and laying of roads, the proposal has sought Rs. 20 crores.

The Ministry will review the revised proposal submitted by the university before giving its final nod for financial assistance. The new proposal has included suggestions made by members of the expert panel.

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