As part of its plans to open new schools of learning in traditional and emerging areas, the Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) in Kottayam will soon roll out a new centre in the area of food science.
According to officials, the proposal to open the School of Food Science and Technology takes a cue from the university’s recent decision to increase the number of departments by adding ten more centres. It has also entrusted Robinet Jacob, head of the School of Tourism Studies, to prepare a project proposal of the new study department for consideration of the State government, they said.
Likewise, various subject experts have been assigned to prepare the proposals on starting new schools in various subjects, ranging from Nano Science to Energy Materials and Economics. A.P. Thomas, Honorary Director, ACESSD, has been tasked to prepare a format of the proposal to be submitted to the State government.
Only 18 schools
Established in 1983, the university currently has only 18 schools of learning. Considering that the low number of departments has had an impact on research and academic initiatives by the institution, it has proposed to open new schools.
The new study departments, to be designed in tune with the growing opportunities — in both career and research — is expected to boost the image of the university at national and international levels.
The members of the university Syndicate have already raised the issue with K.T. Jaleel, Minister for Higher Education, who is learned to have taken a positive stance towards the proposal.