Kannur University has secured ₹ 100 crore fund under the PM-USHA (Prime Minister’s Higher Education Mission) scheme to strengthen infrastructure, academics and research.
The financial assistance, provided under the Multi-disciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERU) category, will be divided between the Central Government (60%) and the State Government (40%). The initiative is designed to enhance the higher education ecosystem by promoting excellence and equity, a university press release said.
In 2018, the university received ₹20 crore under the previous version of the scheme, RUSA-I, which contributed to significant improvements in infrastructure, faculty recruitment, and research. These efforts helped Kannur University progress from a ‘B’ grade in its first NAAC accreditation in 2016 to a ‘B++’ grade in 2021, as well as recognition in the NIRF Ranking and Times Higher Education Global Ranking.
The university aims to attract more students from North Malabar and beyond by upgrading to international standards, starting integrated postgraduate programs, and expanding hostel infrastructure to create fully residential campuses.
Efforts to strengthen research include signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with national and international institutions, pursuing patents and promoting research publications. Research and development cells will be boosted, and collaboration with industries will boost innovation, the university said.
The recruitment department will also receive attention, with new training programs planned to improve employability. In addition, the university intends to revise its curriculum framework, introduce online courses, and embed internships and apprenticeships into degree programs.
published – December 22, 2024 at 08:07 PM IST