Periyar University’s new BTech degree stirs controversy

Salem: Periyar University's new four-year BTech degree in immersive technology (metaverse AR/VR - augmented reality/virtual reality) with a private partner has stoked up a controversy as the arts and science universities in Tamil Nadu are not allowed to run BE and BTech programmes.
Those who join the course may be in trouble as the state government may not approve the degree.
An advertisement has been put up at the entrance of the university, stating that Scoptik Edutech Private Limited would be the technical partner. According to the advertisement, students will learn Python programming, artificial intelligence, 2D and 3D animation, 3D game development, C programming and AR and VR design and development, among others.
Though the All-India Council for Technical Education’s (AICTE) norms do not bar any state university from running a technical programme, the institutions affiliated to Anna University alone are allowed to run the BE and BTech programmes in the state. “The arts and science universities may not have facilities and qualified faculty members. The university might have to get a no objection certificate from the government to run this course,” an official from Anna University said.
When contacted, higher education minister K Ponmudy wondered how an arts and science university would introduce the engineering course. “I will check with the vice-chancellor of the university.”
Former vice-chairman of the UGC H Devaraj told TOI that Periyar University should not start such engineering courses when they did not have faculty members. National Education Policy 2020 encourages universities to start multi-disciplinary courses. “When the state government did not accept the National Education Policy, the university should not follow it as it’s a state government university,” he said.
However, the university denied admitting students to the BTech course. “We did not give any advertisements officially. We already have BVOC (AR/VR) which is a vocational course. Similarly, we have started BTech based on the students and their parents’ suggestions. The university clearly stated that the course is subject to approval in the advertisement. We will start the admission only after getting the necessary permission from the syndicate, AICTE and UGC,” said K Thangavel, university registrar (full additional charge) and head of computer science department.
When contacted, Periyar University vice-chancellor R Jagannathan did not comment.