Telugu varsity making changes in all syllabi

* NAAC expressed satisfaction * New courses announced * Admission process from June 12 * MoUs with foreign nations

The Potti Sriramulu Telugu University has announced that it is making a uniform syllabus for a particular course in all its peethams (campuses) across the state. It has also decided to modernise the syllabus and making thorough changes in it. "The use of computer has become a necessity and we instructed all our heads to make necessary changes and put the usage of system wherever necessary. If the software of course content can be designed through modern gadgets, we will do it" Prof. Elluri Shiva Reddy, Vice Chancellor of the university told media on Friday.

He announced admission schedule for the academic year 2013-14, which will start from June 12. "Application and prospectus will be available in all the four peethams of the varsity and the last date for submission of applications is July1" he said.

Shiva Reddy informed that some new courses for regular students have been introduced from this academic year. They include MA Astrology, PG Diploma in Folk Music, Folk Dance and Folk instrument playing, Diploma course in Satvikabhinaya, Certificate course in Astrology, Folk Music, Dance and instrument playing, Basic courses in Manodharma sangeetam and Kuchipudi dance.

National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), which recently visited the university for the first time has expressed its satisfaction over the courses and the manner in which they are promoted, Shiva Reddy said. 'The team said, going by the courses that are offered, this is certainly a university with a difference.

No regular degree or PG courses with sciences or humanities are being offered here. This is essentially a fine arts university and there are 16 departments and 69 courses, which is rare. So, every aspect shall be considered in a different way. We are happy that the team has advised the state government to fund it in a big way and put its word for a grant of Rs 50 crore' the Vice Chancellor revealed.

Another important aspect that the university is looking into is arriving at understanding with foreign and cultural organizations to promote the fine arts in a better way. "We inked pacts with the governments of Malaysia, Mauritius and also Silicanandhra. We are also hunting for private institutions and individuals to fund the programmes" he explained.

"The university has allotted 10 lakh each to the two study centres at Hebrew varsity in Jerusalem and California varsity at Berkeley. To a pointed question on how it is technically possible without the permission of UGC, Shiva Reddy said, 'the certificates would be given by the Telugu Varsity and only the place of study is outside the country'.

The university has sought a financial assistance of Rs 50 crore from the state but the government has allocated just Rs 16 crore, the VC said. "It will not suffice at all as we have to pay nearly five crore towards pensions and we need another Rs 26 crore towards running expenditure including salaries. We plan to allot Rs 15 crore for construction activity and this cannot be met now" he averred.

Shiva Reddy found fault with his predecessors for being rather liberal in fixing up pensions and payments of arrears. "Yes, it has come to my notice that some out of turn awards were made by the earlier Vice Chancellors. I am now in the process of digging up of records of past ten years. And If a find any irregularity with any employee, we will recover the amount, legally" he made it clear.