Thiruvananthapuram: State higher education department has given administrative sanction for universities to start 197 new courses, on the basis of the recommendations of a committee headed by MG University vice-chancellor Sabu Thomas.
The six-member committee had asked the government to introduce a number of hybrid courses in undergraduate and postgraduate levels as part of improving the bouquet of courses offered by universities in state.
Though several academicians criticized the government for readily-accepting new courses suggested by the committee almost instantly after its formation – without ensuring adequate preparations and facilities– government gave its green light.
The government, in its previous budget, had announced that new courses would be offered in higher education sector in the academic year 2020-21. While 47 government colleges would together offer 49 new courses, 105 aided colleges would offer 117 new courses. While university departments would offer 19 new courses, 12 new engineering courses would be available in eight engineering colleges.
New courses are sanctioned in colleges that have scored fairly well in National Assessment and Accreditation Council ranking. However, this was not made applicable to colleges run by SC/ST sections and devaswom board.
The new courses include nano science, space science, econometrics, business economics, financial marketing, sports management, international relations, sales management, multimedia and communication, clinical psychology, renewable energy, computational biology, musicology, comparative studies and data analysis. The courses include five-year postgraduation integrated courses.
Soon after the governor approved the ordinance that brought out necessary changes in the Universities Act, universities had initiated steps for inviting application for admission to the courses.
LBS invites application
LBS has invited applications for admission to the four-year paramedical degree course- bachelor of occupational therapy.
Courses are being offered in National Institute of Speech and Hearing in Thiruvananthapuram and National Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Irinjalakuda.
Candidates, who have found place in the paramedical rank list for admission in 2020, may submit options through lbscentre.kerala.gov.in before 5 pm on November 10, said a statement from LBS on Saturday.