UGC assures full support to Sikkim University

Gangtok, Nov 9 (UNI) University Grants Committee (UGC) has endorsed the blend of modern and diversified academic curriculum with ancient undocumented knowledge by Sikkim University and assured its full support to the nation's 23rd university.

'' When the Sikkim University develops, it will have an extraordinary position not only in India but also, to some extent, at international level. It will be the centre of academics in India, neighbourhood and at international levels,'' asserted Prof RP Kaushik, chairman of the Expert Committee of UGC.

Prof Kaushik was leading a five-member delegation of the UGC expert committee to oversee the preparations of the Sikkim University that was established by an Act of Parliament on July 2, 2008.

The University had become operational from this academic season with four state government colleges and five private educational institutions in Sikkim coming under it.

During the team's visit, Sikkim University V-C Prof Mahendra P Lama had given a detailed presentation of the activities completed by the university during the past 16 months.

The presentation of the V-C projected a vision for Sikkim University in the coming years which will have its own significant personality.

The programmes prepared by Sikkim University were extremely unique and innovative, Prof Kaushik said.

He assured every support to the university besides ready allocations of funds, adding a sum of Rs 632 crore has been allocated for plan outlay of the University in the 11th Five Year Plan for its infrastructure and resource requirements.

'' Allocations of funds will be timely given for the multifarious schemes of Sikkim University. UGC is not lacking in funds, it will depend how you use the funds for the release of the next installment. There should be optimum utilisation of funds. Money will be given as soon as you are ready'', Prof Kaushik said.

The Sikkim University V-C said, '' The UGC has assured us all kinds of support including the financial allocations in the next remaining four years of the 11th Five Year Plan.

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