UNIVERSITY EDUCATION

5.1. The following Universities are functioning under the aegis of the Higher Education Department :-

 5.2.   The University of Madras created by the Act of 1857 is one of the oldest universities in the country. The organisation of the University is very much on the model of the University of London.

5.3.   The University at present has 78 teaching and research Departments alongwith 113 Arts and Science colleges, 56 Engineering colleges, 8 Education Colleges and 6 Oriental institutions affiliated to it. There is one P.G.Extension centre at Vellore. 14 colleges have been conferred with autonomous status. Almost three-fourths of the colleges have evening sessions in select courses. The total number of courses (in terms of distinct degree offered) is 225.

5.4.   On the academic front there are 77 Boards of studies and also a Board of Research Studies. These boards monitor syllabi, regulations for various courses of studies. The 78 University Departments of teaching and research are spread over in the various campuses of the University viz., Chepauk, Marina, Guindy and Taramani.

ANNAMALAI UNIVERSITY

5.5.   As desired by Dr.Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar to establish a Teaching and Residential University for encouragement of higher education and research in Tamilnadu, the Annamalai University was established in 1929. The University is functioning in 823 acres of land and it comprises 52 departments in diversified disciplines. Several courses of studies have been introduced in both Regular Departments and Directorate of Distance Education such as M.A., (American Studies in the department of English), Master of Business Studies (M.B.S.) and Master of Financial Services (M.F.S.) in the department of Commerce and new job-oriented Diploma Course in the Directorate of Distance Education.

5.6.   Research is an essential component of higher education and almost all the departments of the University are engaged in many research activities funded by regional, national and international agencies. Some of the research project are carried out in collaboration with foreign Universities.

5.7.   Several staff members of this University have been granted fellowships by WHO, Commonwealth, Rotary International and DANIDA.

5.8.   The Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology has been identified by the UGC under the committee on strengthening of infrastructure in the Science and Technology (COSIST) programme to receive Special Assistance to promote research and to raise it to international standards of scientific excellence.

MADURAI KAMARAJ UNIVERSITY

5.9.   Madurai Kamaraj University was established in 1966 as an affiliating cum teaching University bringing into its fold all the colleges that were functioning in Madurai, Virudhunagar, Dindigul, Sivagangai, Theni and Ramanathapuram Districts. There are 89 affiliated colleges, one University Day-college, 5 Evening Colleges. The University has 10 Major schools with 73 Departments and 7 Centres with the faculty strength of 315.

5.10.   Departments of Environmental Remote Sensing and cartography established during VIII plan period, are the special departments of the University.

5.11.   The University in the last decade has developed a reasonably good infrastructure, though in a few limit spheres for quality research in basic sciences. The research activities of existing science schools are not confined to Ph.D programmes alone. The faculty, in last few years have received more contractual grants for specific research projects from both national and international agencies. There are at present several Inter-University, Inter-Institutional and International Research projects, in which the scientists are actively collaborating.

5.12.   Likewise quality research programmes are underway in arts and humanities. At present 80 research projects, funded by national and international agencies are on stream.

5.13.   Government of India have identified the school of
Bio-Technology of this University, as a high-tech research centre in the year 1987 and it is one of the five premier research centres in India, imparting training programme for technicians, doing research in thrust areas of Genetic Engineering, Biological control of pests, fungus, etc. The staff salary liability of various schemes of Department of
Bio-technology have been taken over by the State Government.

5.14.   Government of India in the year 1990-91 have identified the Department of Microbiology as a lead centre and the Department launched a High-Tech Project on Blue Green Algae(BGA) Bio-fertiliser. The department renders service to cultivators, by training them on the use of the Bio-Fertilizer thus transforming the findings of the laboratories to the land.

5.15.   Improvement of quality of U.G.and P.G education, Cafeteria system, evaluation pattern, Environment education, information and library system, Adult and continuing education, introduction of job oriented hi-tech courses; human Rights, Women studies and Management education are the thrust areas of the University.

BHARATHIAR UNIVERSITY

5.16.   Bharathiar University, named after the great national poet Mahakavi Subramania Bharathiar, has been established in 1982,with the motto ‘Educate to Elevate’ and the objective of realising the poet’s dream of making educational institution, as temple of learning. The University contributes to the task of developing the scientific, technological, social and economic fabric by inculcating appropriate knowledge, human skills and creative attitudes among the youth.

5.17.   Educational programmes in the University are developed with a view to promote critical understanding of the contemporary issues and resources needs of the nation by organising seminars, conferences, workshops etc.

5.18.   The Post Graduate, M.Phil, and Ph.D programmes are structured to strike a harmonious balance to suit the man power requirements of Tamilnadu in particular and the country in general. During the next five years, the University will aim at consolidating the advances made and undertaking academic and Research programmes with a view to:-

(a) Improve the quality and efficiency of the academic departments; and

(b) Augment infrastructural facilities.

The University has 20 departments like Maths, Statistics Departments etc.

SHORT TERM PLANS

5.19.   To respond to society’s immediate needs in the area of manpower development, it is necessary to prepare action oriented formulation to achieve the stated objectives of the University. To achieve the above objective, the University has proposed to introduce new courses in the field of Bio-Mass energy, Genetic Research, Thin Films, Super-Conductors, Hetrocyclic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Forest Products chemistry, Bio-inorganic Chemistry, Cyto-genetic, Tissue Culture, Germ Plasma, Study of wild Legumes and Grasses, Environmental Toxicology, Histochemistry, Entrepreneur Behavior, Industrial Economics, Development Economics, Public Economics, Population Studies, Fluid Dynamics, Delay differential equations, Atmospheric Waves, Scientific Tamil, Statistical Quality Control, Education Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems, Object Oriented Programming, Software Technology, Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing during the course of next few years.

BHARATHIDASAN UNIVERSITY

5.20.   The Bharathidasan University established in 1982 as an affiliating University and it is named after the great revolutionary Tamil Poet Paventher Bharathidasan. The University carries out teaching, research and extension services through its Departments/Schools of excellence and through its affiliated colleges. There are 67 colleges (including seven autonomous colleges) affiliated to the University besides 10 approved institutions. Among them, there are 8 Engineering colleges, 2 colleges of education and 52 Arts and Science colleges. There are over 84,000 students undergoing various UG/PG courses in affiliated colleges.

5.21.   Besides this, the Bharathidasan Institute of Management, established by the University in collaboration with Bharath Heavy Electricals Limited, is functioning at BHEL premises, Tiruverambur. In the 22 Departments/Schools/ Centres, there are 108 faculty members with good academic reputation. The University has the distinction of offering PG programme in all the Departments of the University despite faculty constraint. The students strength in M.A.,/M.Phil/M.Tech./Ph.D. programmes is more than 600.

5.22.   This University has brought about several innovations during the short span. The following are the details of certain innovations.

(1). The exemplary performance of the schools of Excellence, the Bharathidasan School of Energy (BSE) and Bharathidasan Institute of Management (BIM) which enjoy "total autonomy" (academic, administrative and financial).

(2). An unique FIVE YEAR integrated M.Sc., programme in Life Sciences, providing an inter-disciplinary base in the first three years of the course and with facility of specialization in Animal Science, Plant Science, Microbiology or Biotechnology in the fourth and fifth years of the programme.

(3). The National Facility for Marine cyanobacteria (NFMC), a premier research centre established with the financial support of more than Rs.2.5 Crores from the department of Biotechnology, Government of India.

(4). The Centrte for Remote Sensing offers M.Tech. programmes, with substantial assistance from All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

(5). Teacher Oriented Televised Education (TOTE) programme with UGC’s back-up, for preparation of classroom lecture-cassettes in frontier areas.

(6). An unique facility for the students to do any job-oriented Diploma/Certificate courses, in addition to their regular UG/PG courses, concurrently.

7). The credibility of the University being reflected in (a) the responsibility of conduct of State-Level Education Test (on par with NET examination is entrusted with the University by the UGC/State Government and also (b) the conduct of Teachers’ Recruitment Board Examinations for selection of College Teachers on behalf of the Government of Tamilnadu.

> 

MOTHER TERESA WOMEN’S UNIVERSITY

5.23.   During the Bharathi Centenary Celebrations, the Mother Teresa Women’s University was established in Kodaikanal in 1984. The University was given the responsibility of furthering the advancement of learning and prosecution of Research in the area of Women’s studies and also for purposes of providing consultancy and monitoring services for the Welfare Development Schemes for Women.

5.24.   Mother Teresa Women’s University is the only University focussing on Women’s Studies through its different curricula, syllabi and research and extension activities through the courses offered at various levels – Ph.D/M.Phil/M.A. and Bachelor Degrees. Women’s perspective is adopted in constructing, reconstructing and modifying the traditional disciplines.

5.25.   Researches are conducted leading to M.Phil and Ph.D. Degrees through part-time/full-time/JRF including a Blind Scholar. Till date 74 Ph.D’s and 365 M.Phils are awarded. Researches include Female Infanticide, Head loaders, Stone breackers, Sex bias in text book, Gender bias in Children’s literature, Women and Economy and value Education.

5.26.   The extension activities are carried out by the University to empower women and raise them from dependency to autonomous status in life. The University has brought out publication on 40 Titles so far. They include Research Studies, Social Critiques, Creative Writing on areas of critical concerns for women.

ALAGAPPA UNIVERSITY

5.27.   Alagappa University was brought into existence in 1985 with the objective of fostering research, development and dissemination of knowledge in various branches of learning.

 5.28.   The University is offering courses in varied areas like Physics, Industrial Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering, Business Management, Bank Management, International Business and Commerce, Corporate Secretaryship, Tamil, Women’s Studies and Computer Applications, Education, Physical Education and Health Sciences, Oceanography and Coastal Area Studies, and Crystal Research at Post-Graduate, M.Phil., Ph.D., levels to meet the demands of the Society.

5.29.   The Department of Physical Education and Health Sciences has started offering two year Master of Sports Physiotherapy ( M.S.P.T.) course under regular and part-time basis from the current year. This course has been started with a view to meet the increasing demands for Sports Physiotherapists who have a ready market in India and abroad. A New Department, namely Department of Oceanography and Coastal Area Studies has been started and it is offering a two year M.Sc., in Oceanography and Coastal Area Studies. This employment oriented course has been started with a view to provide training in Marine Research and Ocean Studies tapping the vast potential available in Thondi camp site of this University at the sea shore.

5.30.   The Centre for Women’s Studies carries out outreach programmes and action oriented research to enhance the status of Women. Self-help groups among women are formed so that women are trained to save, plan and control their credit resources as a group.

>MANONMANIYAM SUNDRANAR UNIVERSITY

5.31.   Manonmaniyam Sundaranar University was established during 1990, by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamilnadu Dr.Kalaingar M.Karunanidhi. This University has made a mark in the Higher education scenario through many innovations.

5.32.   The University offers PG courses under CHOICE BASED CREDIT SYSTEM from the academic year 1996-97. This is based on the cafeteria system. In this system, the real choice is given to students, to choose the courses/he /she wants in a semester.

5.33.   The Centre for Environmental sciences of this University which is recognised as nodal centre for environment Education in South India, is offering the thrust areas like Waste recycling, Industrial Toxicology, Stream and wasteland Ecology etc., Women studies and child-labour are thrust areas in the Institute of Coastal Area Studies.

5.34.   Manonmaniyam Sundaranar University is the pioneer in giving xerox copies of the answer papers on demand from students.

PERIYAR UNIVERSITY

5.35.   During 1997, Periyar University was founded by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamilnadu Dr.Kalaingar M.Karunanidhi. There are 45 colleges affliated to Periyar University, of which 13 are Government Colleges , 6 are Government Aided Colleges and the remaining 26 are self-financing colleges. The above 45 colleges include 12 Engineering colleges and 33 Arts & Science colleges. There are three University departments conducting research studies leading to M.Phil and Ph.D Degree. Seventy nine courses are available in the colleges affiliated to Periyar University.

5.36.   Besides the usual Arts and Science courses special subjects like Computer Science, Computer Application, Microbiology, Applied Microbiology, Hotel & Catering Management, Business Administration, Bank Management, Corporate Secretaryship, Information Technology, Information Science and Management, Software Science, Instrumentation Control Engineering, Computer Aided Design, Computer Aided Management, Information Technology, Textile Technology, Chemical Engineering, Architecture, Applied Science, Multimedia Technology, Bio-Technology, Computer Communication etc. are offered at UG/PG level.

5.37.   Periyar University with the assistance of Tamilnadu State AIDS Control Society, has sanctioned financial assistance of
Rs.2500/- to each of the 19 colleges, for starting voluntary blood donors club and conducting AIDS awareness camps in the colleges.

AVINASHILINGAM INSTITUTE FOR HOME SCIENCE AND
HIGHER EDUCATION FOR WOMEN

5.38   The Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women situated at Coimbatore, attained the status of Deemed University during 1988.

5.39.   The Institute is having Five Faculties viz., Home Science, Science, Humanities, Education and Engineering, each faculty functioning under its respective Dean. Since 1989-90, the University is offering two Majors and two Ancillaries for the Under Graduate Degree courses. The pattern of education has been fully semesterised. The academic year is divided into two semesters, each semester having a minimum of 200 working days. Regular attendance is an important feature of the semester pattern. Evaluation of the students work is comprehensive, with a weightage of 200% for UG and PG for internal assessment. Examinations for the courses offered in a semester are conducted in the same semester to make learning more effective and to reduce the burden on the students.

5.40.   M.Sc., (Home science) at post graduate level, Family Resource Management, Food science and Nutrition, Human Development., Home Science Extension courses at M.Phil., and Ph.D level are the highlights of this university. Consumer education improving the quality of life of rural families, Tribal Nutrition, studies of medicinal plants are the thrust areas of the University.

ENDOWMENTS

5.41.   Government have created 21 Endowments at a total cost of Rs.525 Lakhs in the name of Great Leaders in all Universities coming under the aegis of Higher Education Department. Each Endowment costs Rs.25 lakhs. Out of the interest accrued from the Endowment amount, assistance will be given to the students studying in respective Universities or in their affiliated Colleges.

5.42.   Two Endowments have been created in Anna University, Chennai in the name of Quaid-e-Milleth and Dr.M.G.R. From this endowment amount, Rs.15,62,843/- has been received as interest amount so far. Of this Rs.10,60,000/- has been given to 154 students as scholarships.

5.43.   Two endowments have been created in Madras University, in the name of Arignar Anna and Sambuvarayar. From this endowment amount Rs.11,51,334/- has been received as interest amount so far.

5.44.   Two endowments have been created in Annamalai University, Chidambaram in the names of Vallalar and Ramasamy Padayatchiar. From this endowment amount Rs.15,97,603/- has been received as interest amount so far. Three endowments have been created in Madurai Kamaraj University in the names of Maruthu Pandiyar, Maaveeran Sundaralingam and Mannar Thirumalai. From this endowment amount Rs.16,13,935/- has been received as interest amount so far.

5.45.   One endowment has been created in Bharathiar University, Coimbatore in the name of Kamarajar. From this endowment amount Rs.3,75,000/- has been received as interest amount so far. Of this Rs. 2,12,000/- has been given to 66 students as scholarships.

5.46.   Three endowments have been created in Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli in the names of Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar, Theeran Chinnamalai and Veeran Alagumuthukone. From this interest, an amount of Rs.5,36,000/- has been given to 249 students. Two endowments have been created in Periyar University, Salem in the names of Dr.Ambedkar and Rajaji. From this endowment, an amount of Rs.5,61,000/- has been received as interest amount so far. Of this Rs.20,000/- has been given to 20 students as scholarships.

5.47.   Two endowments have been created in Alagappa University, Karaikudi in the names of Pasumpon Muthuramalingam Thevar and Chidambaranar. From this endowment, an amount of Rs.15,42,235/- has been received as interest amount so far. Of this Rs.3,66,000/- has been given to 61 students as scholarships. Three endowments have been created in Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli in the names of Kattabomman, Nesamani and Mannar Pulithevan. From this endowment, an amount of
Rs.25,23,853/- lakhs has been received as interest amount so far. Of this Rs.7,81,000/- has been given to 255 students as scholarships.

 5.48.   One endowment has been created in Mother Teresa Women’s University, Kodaikanal in the name of Rani Mangammal. From this endowment, an amount of Rs.5,10,416/- has been received as interest amount so far. Of this Rs.4,06,952/- has been given to 195 students as scholarships.

URDU ACADEMY

5.49.   In order to propagate Urdu Language and its development in Tamilnadu, long cherished demands of Urdu speaking Muslim brethren, the Government have since created Tamilnadu Urdu Academy at Chennai. The Government have also allotted a sum of Rs.15 lakhs for this purpose.

6. TECHNICAL EDUCATION

>6.1.   Technical Education is one of the most significant component of Human Resource Development spectrum with great potential for adding values to products and services, contributing to the National Economy and improving quality of life. In recognition of the importance of this sector, the Government of Tamilnadu have been placing great emphasis on the development of Technical Education. The Department of Technical Education of the State covering Engineering Colleges, Polytechnics and Typewriting Institutions was started in 1957 and expanded in all levels. During 1999-2000, the All India Council for Technical Education, New Delhi accorded approval for starting 7 new Engineering colleges and 3 new Polytechnics, which started functioning during the year 1999-2000 itself. One new Government Polytechnic has been opened at Purasawalkam for the benefit of students of Chennai City, out of the Constituency Development Fund of Thiru.Murasoli Maran, M.P. The above institute is temporarily functioning at Central Polytechnic Campus with an intake of 180 students in 3 branches.

6.2.   As a part of developmental activity of Department of Technical Education, the intake permitted in the new Engineering Colleges and the permission accorded for the starting of new Degree courses in the existing Engineering Colleges have created 4908 additional seats during 1999-2000 which constitutes 17% increase in seats. Similarly, new Polytechnics and new courses permitted to be started in the existing Polytechnics have enhanced the intake by 3075 seats resulting at an increase of intake of 7%.

6.3.   SINGLE WINDOW SYSTEM IN POLYTECHNICS

During 1998-99, Single Window System was introduced in Polytechnic admission as being done in Engineering college admission. The students were allotted the branch of studies in the first year itself. Admission in Polytechnics will be conducted under Single Window System based on the performance of the students in their 10 standard examination and common written test to be conducted from 2000-2001 onwards.

<6.4.   RURAL RESERVATION

From 1997-98, 15% total seats in Engineering Colleges are reserved for rural students, who have studied in Higher Secondary Schools located in Village Panchayats for a period of two years. This scheme is followed on a permanent basis.

6.5.   FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO THE B.E./B.TECH.
STUDENTS COMING FROM THE NON-GRADUATE FAMILY

The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamilnadu has awarded the financial assistance individually to the students from families which do not have any graduates and which are interested in pursuing professional courses every year. Under the scheme, 40 have been offered financial assistance for the year 1996-97 to 1999-2000, and a sum of Rs.3,47,273 has been spent for the purpose.