The Hindu : Rs. 20 cr.-building coming up on Anna varsity campus

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Apr 14, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu

Rs. 20 cr.-building coming up on Anna varsity campus

By K. Ramachandran

CHENNAI April 13. The Anna University proposes to construct a new ``state-of-the-art" administrative complex on its Guindy campus. The one lakh sq.ft.-building will be a landmark structure, architecturally harmonious with the existing heritage (red brick) building, the University Vice-Chancellor, E. Balagurusamy, has said.

Addressing a recent meeting of the University's academic council, Dr. Balagurusamy said the expected cost of the new complex of about Rs. 20 crores would be generated through the surpluses of the different university centres.

A high-level committee of academics would finalise the architectural design, and another panel oversee the entire construction work of the landmark structure.

Considering the public sensitivities over new constructions and the preservation of ancient and heritage buildings, teachers and conservationists are hoping that the university will steer clear of controversy and the majesty and architectural marvel of the main building at the centre would not be lost sight of in the new developments.

New electives

Explaining the measures being taken to improve academic standards, the VC said new electives such as Indian Constitution and Intellectual Property Rights would be included in the curriculum. In view of the concern raised by the faculty of Sciences and Humanities, Physics and Chemistry would be included also in the second semester of the UG curriculum, enabling the future engineering students to have a better foundation in basic science subjects.

On representations received from students and parents, he said it had been decided to switch over from the credit-based system to marks system from this year. This necessitated revision of the regulations concerned. The amendments mooted by the various UG boards were approved by the Academic Council.

The Dean (Academics), R. Ramprabhu, said the university had decided to initiate a new subject `total quality management', an area in which the Chancellor-Governor had taken a specific interest, as a compulsory course. Steps were being taken to bring out a monograph on the subject so that it could be taught by all colleges in the State.

Industrial training

As per a State Government directive regarding compulsory industrial training for engineering students, a CD had been prepared for giving a list of industries and matching colleges (region-wise for the State). The colleges would now enter into MoUs with the nearby industries for the training. As per the suggestion of a high-level panel, to begin with, the training was proposed to be introduced for students entering the fifth and seventh semesters.

The Academic Council was informed that the university proposed to start a five-year M.E. integrated programme in its four constituent colleges. Another M.Tech (Plastics Engineering), offered by the Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology, was also approved.

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