Kozhikode: Calicut University has taken a decision to uplift university centres in Lakshadweep as colleges by which more than 500 students would directly benefit. As per the plans of the varsity, by establishing a college there would ensure educational progress of the island. It was on Friday that the high-level meeting of the Lakshadweep administration and Calicut University decided to upgrade the university centres on the island.
The university centres now in Lakshadweep are distance education centres, says Dr. Kannan V.M., director of school of distance education at Calicut University. He added that the university has no difficulties to upgrade centres as colleges within the legal framework of the Lakshdweep administration.
Lakshadweep still lacks proper facilities for higher education. A majority of the islanders depend on other states for continuing studies after plus two. Many also abandon studies fearing of having to go outer states or because of financial problems. In view of this, Calicut University is planning to uplift the university centres operating in Lakshadweep as colleges.
At present three centers of the university are operating in Kadmatt, Andrott and Kavaratti islands of Lakshadweep. The centres are sources for the students who wish to pursue higher education from the island itself. Dr. A. A. Vaheed, principal of Kadamath centre said many were hesitant to leave the island for higher studies.
“If the university starts a college in Lakshdweep, it will help the academic development of the students. Besides it will also be helpful in getting a UGC grant and other related facilities,” says Junaid Raja, an islander.
Vice chancellor Dr. K. Muhammad Basheer said that the decision would especially help girl students in the island to pursue their graduation courses. “Presently girls are discontinuing studies out of fear to come out of the island. So girls will be the main beneficiaries of the project,” he added.
