The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Engineering research centre on the anvil

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Thursday, Jul 31, 2008
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Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Engineering research centre on the anvil

Special Correspondent

Good work: Education Minister M.A. Baby presenting certificate to a student at the convocation of the Model Finishing School in the city on Wednesday.

Thiruvananthapuram: Minister for Education M.A. Baby said here on Wednesday that the government was drawing up plans to establish a Centre for Engineering Research. Addressing the convocation ceremony of the first batch of students at the Model Finishing School under the IHRD, he said the proposal to set up the centre was mooted by an expert committee constituted by the government to improve quality of technical education in Kerala.

Mr. Baby said a survey carried out by the committee had revealed that only three per cent of teachers in the technical education sector were properly qualified. The centre, he said, would help equip teachers with the necessary skills.

The Minister said the government was committed to revamping the education system. “The reform process has to start from the school curriculum. Only by improving the primary and general education sectors can we hope to make a significant difference.”

Curriculum revision

Mr. Baby said the higher education council was also working on a major revision of the curriculum.

“The Cabinet has approved appointment of 640 college teachers,” he said. He said teacher training was an important component of any reform process in the education sector.

Mr. Baby later distributed certificates to the students. Minister for Forests Benoy Viswom presided over the function. IT Secretary Ajaykumar, Director of the Model Finishing School Arunkumar and Director, IHRD, V. Subramony were present on the occasion.

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