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Front Page > Calcutta > Story

Governor rues Besu ‘loss’A STAFF REPORTER

Governor and Besu chancellor M.K. Narayanan said on Monday the state would lose anexcellent university if the Shibpur institution was upgraded to an Indian Institute ofEngineering Science and Technology (IIEST).

While speaking at the felicitation of scientist Ashok Sen on the campus, in the presence ofvice-chancellor Ajay Ray, Narayanan even said it would be a “sad day’ for Bengal when“the oldest technical institute in the state” became an IIEST.

“I know that Besu aspires to become an IIEST and I believe it is eyeing the statusessentially for securing additional funds…. It would be better if Besu is designated as anInstitute of National Importance under the control of state and provided special status, likewe are planning for Presidency University. But I know vice-chancellor will not agree tothis,” said the governor.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on fast-trackingBesu’s upgrade. The human resource development minister Kapil Sibal sent a letter toMamata on Friday, assuring her that the Centre is doing the needful so that Besu isupgraded soon.

Making a note of these developments, the chancellor admitted there was no scope forreconsidering the upgrade proposal now.

The Presidency mentor group, which includes Sen, has pleaded for a special status forthe state university.

According to the governor, the status of central institution does not guarantee excellence.“There are examples of central institutions and universities, which get more funds thanstate universities, failing to deliver.”

The governor added: “I feel if higher education in the country is to progress to a desiredlevel, then the upgrade of the state universities has to be ensured…. Central universitieshold an edge over the state universities in terms of resources. But very few centralacademic institutes have achieved the desired degree of excellence.”

Vice-chancellor Ray stressed the question of rethink on the upgrade did not arise. “OnlyParliament’s nod is needed for Besu’s transition. Central universities and institutions havefailed to deliver, despite having better resources, because of poor planning. At Besu, wehave planned in advance how we would grow when we become an IIEST. Besides, wedon’t think the model of state university with special status is feasible. Then other stateuniversities would raise similar demands, pressuring the state,” said Ray.

Governor rues Besu ‘loss’ http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110920/jsp/calcutta/story_14526120.jsp

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