IIHS seeks more funds from HP Government

Shimla, Mar 3 (UNI) The Indian Institute of Himalayan Studies (IIHS) of the Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) has requested the University Grants Commission (UGC) to allow the utilisation of its funds beyond March 31, 2007 for continuing with ongoing research activities.

''The IIHS has utilised a sum of Rs 3.34 crore only up till March 31, 2007 out of a total of Rs five crore allocated to it by the UGC five years ago,'' institute's 17-member research staff and nine-member adminstrative staff said in their joint representation to the University's Vice Chancellor Anil Wilson here recently.

It said the IIHS should be allowed to utilise the remaining funds of Rs 2.60 crore for continuing with its ongoing research activities beyond March 31, 2007 when the UGC would discontinue its funding.

Besides, seeking a UGC's nod for the extension of project beyond March this year, the institute's staff has urged the University VC to ssek funds from its Executive Council for carrying on with its research activities.

The institute, UGC's Centre of Excellence, was set up by the HPU to create an integrated knowledge base and evolve strategies for the development of the Himalayan region and its people through research, academic courses of practical utility and service.

The IIHS has completed 100 research projects and published 15 books up till now besides 75 ongoing research projects since its inception five years ago.

UNI