New projects to rekindle renaissance values

Thiruvananthapuram: Keeping in line with the state government’s professed attempts to rekindle renaissance values in every segment of society, the Kerala University has proposed a slew of programmes aimed at reviving the renaissance values.
The Rs 2 crore annual deficit budget presented by the varsity’s nominated syndicate on Monday proposed to set up ‘Tagore Nikethan’ in the University Library where the poet had received the state’s reception in 1922. Rs 25 lakh has been set aside for arranging a separate corner in the varsity library for keeping all the books and related documents of the poet. The budget also proposes to create a Renaissance Corner in Kariavattom campus library. The university proposes to display books about all renaissance leaders of Kerala. Rs 15 lakh has been set apart for the initiative.

The budget has earmarked Rs 50 lakh for developing the varsity’s Marxian Centre into an international study centre. Rs 10 lakh has been set aside for the promotion of Gandian philosophy and the contributions of Jawaharlal Nehru and B R Ambedkar. The budget also set apart Rs 20 lakh for promoting the teachings of Sree Narayana Guru in affiliated college campuses.

The budget proposed to take steps for modernizing the examination valuation system and develop infrastructure facilities for district-level valuation centres. Rs 25 lakh has been marked for the proposal. A centralized data processing unit would be established for speeding up tabulation works.

The budget proposed to provide financial assistance to research scholars for publishing their works. They would be also provided additional financial help for publishing their works in international journals.

It proposed to set up student palliative clubs in association with the National Service Scheme. It also proposed to introduce a new insurance scheme for students. The scheme proposed in lieu of a similar scheme proposed in the 2016-17 budget aims to collect a premium of Rs 100 from students every year, against which they would be insured for Rs 5 lakh for life and assistance up to Rs 1 lakh for medical treatment.

The budget set aside Rs 5 lakh for carrying out Constitution literacy programmes in college campuses and other institutions under the varsity. A health club is proposed for Kariavattom campus for both students and teachers.