BENGALURU : It has been 19 years since its inception, and the earnings of Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belagavi, Karnataka, has remained zero.This has been revealed in the National Institutional Ranking Framework, released by Union Ministry for Human Resource Development recently. As per the report, the earning of VTU through patents is zero.
It is not mandatory for a university to get a particular number of patents. However, when compared to its own affiliated colleges and autonomous colleges, the technological university is far from getting any patents at all.“Being a university, we should definitely have got more patents. Shortage of regular faculty members was a major hindrance,” said a senior official of VTU.
‘Lack of earnings’ from patents is a reflection of lack of research activities by faculty members at the university. Faculty members are the ones who generally apply for patents of their research work.
“As there was a shortage of regular faculties at the university, it was difficult for us to
apply for patent. Each faculty member has to apply individually for patents for the research work done by them. The university received permission to hire regular faculties three years ago. This year onwards, we will apply for patents,” said the official.
Another reason for the university’s failure to get patents was non-availability of 12 (B) status all these years. Recently, the University Grants Commission has granted 12 (B) status to VTU, under which the university will now be eligible to apply for Central funds. This will also include earnings from patents.