VEL TECH UNIVERSITY DISTRIBUTES 6.5 CRORES SCHOLARSHIP (PHASE-I)

SMT. D.PURANDESWARI LAUDS THE INITIATIVE

Minister of State for Human Resource Development Smt.D.Purandeswari gives a scholarship to a student. Dr.Rangarajan,Chancellor Dr.Sakunthala Rangarajan, Pro Chancellor Dr.Mahalakshmi Rangarajan Vice Chancellor Mr.K.V.D.Kishor Kumar Director, Mr.N.Ram Chief Editor and Mr.T.N.Nainan Thariyan Asst. Vice President & Response head-Bennett, Coleman & Co.Ltd. are in the picture.

         Vel Tech Dr.RR & Dr.SR Technical University had announced Rs.6.5 crores worth of Merit Scholarships to its students in January 2009. The Scheme is called ‘Vel Tech Mahatma Gandhi National Merit Scholarships’. The Scholarships were instituted by Dr.R.Rangarajan, Chancellor of the University with an objective to promote national integration among the youth and to provide access to higher technical education to meritorious students without any bar. The University had announced 100% waiver of tuition fees, boarding and lodging amounting to about Rs.5 crores per student for 4 years to top 3 students from each State and one top student from each Union Territory among those joining the University. The top 100 students, who secured more than 90% in their +2 examinations were awarded 50% scholarship. ‘The Hindu’ also co-sponsored 50% scholarship for top 25 students securing more than 85%. The Bennett, Coleman & Company Limited also had co-sponsored 15 scholarships in this category. In all roughly one out of every 4 students could have access to the scholarship provided by the University.

Yesterday the University had arranged a colourful function in its Campus to distribute the scholarships to the eligible students. Smt. D.Purandeswari, Minister of State for Human Resource Development was the Chief Guest.

 Referring to the current debate on the role of the deemed Universities, the Vice Chancellor expressed concern over the discrimination between the Private and Public Universities. Dr.Mrs.Mahalakshmi Rangarajan.K strongly pleaded for an equitable treatment to all the stake holders in higher education and for single simplified regulatory mechanism for higher education, ending cumbersome procedures.

         Felicitating Vel Tech Dr.RR & Dr.SR Technical University on the occasion, Mr.Ninan, Assistant Vice President & Response Head of Bennett Coleman & Co. Limited, lauded the efforts of Dr.R.Rangarajan and for the introduction of a very unique Scholarship scheme in the country. The Scholarship schemes, which provide access to higher education without any discrimination, would empower young minds to pursue their dreams and careers, he said.

         Mr.N.Ram, Editor-in-Chief, ‘The Hindu’ in his felicitation praised Vel Tech Dr.RR & Dr.SR Technical University for its progressive ideas and its high standards. He highlighted Vel Tech’s quality and commitment to the higher technical education. According to Mr.N.Ram transparent admission policies, success in bringing students from all parts of the country, infrastructure, interaction with the industry, placement, good faculty and empowering the young students were the achievements of Vel Tech Dr.RR & Dr.SR Technical University.

         Smt.D.Purandeswari distributing the Scholarships to 128 students from all over the country and Cash awards of Rs.10,000/- each to about 200 faculty members said while comparing India with China, one should appreciate the vibrant democracy prevailing in our country. This was bound to impact the process of reforms. Inspite of this, the Gross Enrolment ratio for higher education was around 12% compared to 60% in the US, 40% in the Europe, 15% in China and 23% globally.

While talking about access, India has to look into the totality of inclusiveness and geographical disparities. She appreciated the private sector in the South for their contribution to higher education, which greatly supplemented the government’s efforts. Referring to funding, she said there was a disconnect between the universities and the industries. If this is sorted out, there will be a win all situation. The industries will get solution to their problems, the students will gain hands on experience in solving problems and the universities can get funds. The quality of education depended upon infrastructure, laboratory and library facilities, while the most important factor was the faculty. The Government has accepted the UGC recommended scales of pay with an objective to attract and retain talent in Education sector. Non it is the term of the faculty to discharge their responsibility in capacity building in Knowledge Resource.

The Minister congratulated Prof.Dr.Rangarajan for his excellent service to society in providing quality education. She earlier released the Vel Tech Newsletter.

Dr.Mrs.Sakunthala Rangarajan, Pro-Chancellor proposed vote of thanks. Prof.Dr.R.Rangarajan, Chancellor presided.