UGC Committee Likely to Visit Satavahana University in January to Take a Call on Grants

UGC Committee Likely to Visit Satavahana University in January to Take a Call on Grants

KARIMNAGAR: Satavahana University (SU), founded in 2008 in Karimnagar, is looking up to the government for financial assistance. 

The erstwhile Post Graduate Centre under Osmania and Kakatiya Universities took shape as Satavahana University and was run from rented premises for sometime. However, now it has its own premises spread across a sprawling 200-acre. Vice-chancellor Professor Kadaru Veera Reddy in an exclusive interview with Express talks about the university and the steps that have to be taken to better its educational standards for both lecturers and students.

Excerpts :

What are the steps that the administration initiated after you took charge?

The university, which used to function from a rental premises till September 12 had no electricity for four months after it was shifted to the present campus. We were able to construct the administrative buildings and hostels soon afterwards. The government provided `30 crore so far for the infrastructure etc.

Have you sent any proposals for the overall development of the university recently?

We sent a proposal requesting for `20 crore, each year, for the next four years. So far, the state government has allocated `4.16 crore in the budget under the non-plan account. However, these funds are not sufficient.

How are you planning to obtain the 12B status for the university as it would enable grants from the UGC?

Right now, the university’s infrastructure is basic. Science and Arts buildings are yet to be constructed and the library is about to be completed. Once we have all the infrastructure in place, we plan to invite 12B inspection committee in January 2015. In addition to this we are trying to fulfil the requirements including staff and infrastructure to acquire Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) recognition for the university’s Pharmacy College. The PCI committee is expected to visit in March 2015.

Most of the academic staff are choosing administrative work. How are  you planning to control the loss of academicians?

We are shifting the teaching staff to administration due to shortage of manpower. But they are discharging their duties as incharges only. After acquiring a complete staff, we would streamline them. At present, all the 63 academic consultants are on temporary basis.

Are there any changes in the current PG entrance process?

No, all the vacant seats will be filled through the entrance exam conducted by KU. The government is also planning bring all universities under one roof by filling the seats through a single entrance examination.

How many academic posts are yet to be filled?

For Pharmacy College, there is a need for 18 professors and assistant professors. Selection process is almost completed. For Arts, Science and other subjects, at least 50 posts are vacant. Interviews have been conducted for seven subjects so far.

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