CUSAT would be upgraded soon : Ramesh

Kochi, Feb 12 (UNI) Union Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh today assured that the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) would soon be upgraded into Indian Institute of Engineering Science&Technology (IIEST).

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the 'Rajiv Gandhi Chair in Comtemporary Studies' here, Mr Ramesh said the Ministry of Human Resource Development has given an assurance that the university will be upgraded to IIEST very soon.

He said an additional Rs 500 crore would be allocated in the next five years as the proposal was included in the 11th five year plan.

Mr Ramesh said the Ministry assured that CUSAT would be included in the first round of upgradation.

Extolling the university for establishing a Chair with the theme Eco-systems and Sustainable Developments Mr Ramesh urged the authorities concerned to make the Chair a permanent platform for the theme.

He said former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was particular about the development of eco-systems and remembered that the late leader in his first speech after becoming Prime Minister, had announced the launch of a project to clean up river Ganga and develope of wastelands across the country.

The main objectives of the Chair include strengthening the role of universities and academics in public policy making, provide a forum for inter-university ot inter-collegiate post graduate and research level discussions, organise seminar and symposia and enhance rural livelihood through technology dissemination.

UNI