KOCHI: The Government has decided not to give sanction for the Bachelor of Architecture course proposed by the Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit during this academic year.

The decision goes in tune with the Left Democratic Front Government's policy not to okay self-financing programmes mooted by universities and affiliated colleges this year.

Asked if the new courses would be okayed next year, Education Department officials said that a decision would be taken only after making a review of the existing programmes offered by universities and colleges in the self-financing stream.

Several plans for starting self-financing courses have been put on hold in view of the Government decision.

The courses have reportedly failed to meet the quality standards in terms of academic and infrastructure facilities. The Government has also received reports that huge fees are levied from candidates enrolling for these courses. The Education Department has found that private managements were collecting hefty donations from students applying for Commerce, Arts and Science subjects. They were also appointing teachers on a contract basis for running the self-financing programmes.

A Higher Education Council will be formed soon to review the standard of education imparted by universities and colleges. The Council will present a detailed report on the ongoing self-financing programmes. It will also suggest measures to improve the quality of higher education programmes. The Government decision to sanction new self-financing programmes will be taken on the basis of the recommendations made by the Council.

With the Government deciding not to sanction new self financing programmes this year, the Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit will have to wait for some more time to admit students to the 40 seats for Bachelor of Architecture course approved by the Council of Architecture, New Delhi.

The Council has clearly mentioned in its letter of approval that admissions should be made as per the reservation policy of the State Government.

The course should commence subject to the submission of No Objection Certificate from the Government.

The institution offering the course should have a built up space of 3000 sq.mt. It should acquire at least 500 titles before the starting the course. Workshop facilities for model-making and construction-related activities should also be created before the programme.

Other requirements include computer and photography laboratories and an audiovisual room.

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