Madras University to launch five centres

Chennai, Sept 7: Madras University has announced its plan to launch five new centres, including an institute for infrastructure studies, Vice-Chancellor S Ramachandran said.

Speaking to reporters after assuming charge yesterday, Prof Ramachandran said, ''We plan to start an Institute for Infrastructure Studies, for developing highways, railways, ports and airports.'' ''We have already spoken to Minister of State for Railways R Velu and Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways T R Baalu who agreed to help us start the centre.'' The University also plans to start centres for population studies, herbal science, environmental sciences and ocean management.

Prof Ramachandran said he would prepare a report on the proposed institute of ocean studies to get the maximum funding for the project.

He also spoke on providing the students with basic facilities and the right academic ambience for them to excel in studies.

About the reported differences between the University top brass and various unions, the VC said it was very common and he would endeavour to address the concerns to take the 150-year-old institution to greater heights.

Meanwhile, university professors and staff ghearoed outgoing Vice-Chancellor S P Thyagarajan by obstructing his car and not allowing him to leave the campus leading to tension on the campus for some time.

UNI