Kochi: The Cochin University of Science And Technology (Cusat) will start two new schools and six research/study centres in the next financial year, as per the budget presented and passed in the Syndicate of the University on Saturday.
School of Integrated MSc and School of Vocational Studies and Skill Development are the new schools. The six research/study centres are Centre for Comparative Literature (Hindi Dept.), Centre for Extension Activities in Marine Science (School of Marine Sciences), Centre for Industrial Research Development and Society Engag-ement (School of Engi-neering), Centre for Alternative Finance under Faculty of Social Sciences, Centre for Accounting and Fina-nce (School of Mana-gement Studies) and Centre for Library Tec-hnology and Infor-mation Science (Univ-ersity Library).
Besides this, a microwave-based drying and disinfecting processing unit attached to the department of electronics will also be added.
The schools are inte-nded for streamlining the ongoing integrated MSc courses in science, the one proposed in bio-science under School of Marine Sciences and the various vocational courses of the university. A new master’s programme in library and information science is also envisaged under the newly formed Cen-tre for Library Tech-nology and Infor-mation Science.
The Budget presented by Syndicate member Dr N. Chandramoh-anakumar, and appr-oved by the Syndicate envisages an enhancement of university Junior Research Fellowship from Rs 12,500 to Rs 20,000 and University Senior Research Fellowship from Rs 15,000 to Rs 22,500. CUSAT main budget shows a total (inclusive of non plan, including government grant) of Rs 202.38 crore on the receipt side and Rs 202.82 crore on expenditure.
