The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : Move to change status of Cusat opposed

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Sunday, Sep 14, 2008
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Move to change status of Cusat opposed

Staff Reporter

A campaign against the conversion or upgrading of the university into an IIT or any other institution is actively building up on the campus.

KOCHI: Efforts to retain the original character of Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) have gained momentum.

A campaign against the conversion or upgrading of the university into an IIT or any other institution is actively building up on the campus. Led by the Save Cusat Forum, the move forms part of the ongoing efforts to preserve the existing character of the university.

Those behind the forum pointed out that an expert committee from the University Grants Commission that visited the university recently had recognised Cusat as a university with potential for excellence.

A paper prepared by the forum referred to the experience of the conversion of University of Roorkee in to an IIT.

Even after a decade, the problems associated with the transformation especially those related to service conditions of teachers and other employees have not been resolved.

It said that the non-contributory pension liabilities of the existing employees and teachers may not be taken over by the central government.

The pension scheme of the IITs is contributory in tune with the changed pension policy since 2004. All existing teachers will have to undergo fresh assessment to enter into the IIT pattern of pay structure.

Explaining that there were several difficulties in converting Cusat in to an IIT, the paper said that the thrust of an IIT will be on engineering and technology.

Stating that the government had invested about Rs. 3,000 crore for building up the infrastructure on the campus, the paper said that Cusat has nearly 235 acres in its possession.

It is for the legislators of the State to consider whether the life of a State university created by their predecessors with foresight and clear vision under a State Act should be extinguished without getting their approval, it said.

The forum has suggested that the university can strive towards becoming a model university in tune with the recommendations made by the National Knowledge Commission.

The paper said that the State should focus on its demand to get a new IIT rather than converting Cusat.

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