HYDERABAD : The Languages and Culture Universities of South India have sought funds on par with Central Universities of Sanskrit, Hindi and Urdu established by the Central Government, as the State funds were not adequate.

Vice Chancellors of Potti Sriramulu Telugu University A. Manjulatha; Kannada University B.A. Vivek Rai; Tamil University C. Subramaniam and Dravidian University G. Lakshmi Narayana, who have formed a Dravidian Language Culture Universities Forum told a press conference that they would soon present their case before the Planning Commission for more funds under the XI Plan.

Dr. Rao said that unlike conventional universities they don't generate funds through popular courses or affiliation fees and admission fees. So, the UGC should treat the language universities separately for release of plan grant. Some special grant should be given for language universities as given to young universities and rural universities.

Research suffers

Dr. Manjulatha said block grants were sufficient only for paying salaries and maintenance and so research took a backseat. The four Vice-Chancellors decided to conduct collaborative research on Dravidian culture and languages. A Dravidian festival would also be organised by the forum once in a year.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail