FM, VC assure help to make PURC centre of excellence

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, August 24

The Finance Minister, Manpreet Singh Badal, and the Vice-chancellor of Punjabi University, Patiala, Dr BS Ghuman, have promised to take all necessary steps to make Punjabi University Regional Centre (PURC) in city a centre of excellence.

The minister and the VC were speaking at the inauguration of a holy herbal park at the regional centre as part of plantation drive to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

PURC, Bathinda, has been serving the district and the Malwa region since 1984 and has produced a number of academics and officers. However, financial hurdles have been impacting the institute’s infrastructure and the quality of education.

Head of PURC Dr Balwinder Kaur said: “The current strength of the institution is around 1,000, with majority of them from economically-weaker sections. There is no proper canteen, hostel, auditorium and transportation facility on the campus. Even the library doesn’t have an adequate sitting facility. Despite this, the institution produces several administrations, academics every year. Around 10 to 15 students get UGC-JRF scholarship every year,” she added.

“Steps are being taken to improve facilities at the institution. For instance, two units of NSS volunteers have been launched after a decade long gap. The Vice-Chancellor has been taking a keen interest in the development of this institution. He has assured all possible assistance to this centre,” sheadded.

During his interaction with students, Dr Ghuman shared his experiences of rising from a very humble background to the position of the VC. He urged the students to always nurture good values and ethics. He also surveyed the campus and took cognisance of lapses affecting the wholesome development of students. He also committed to introducing new courses such as MPhil (English) at the centre.

The VC said he had urged professors to work hard to manage educational affairs in a better manner. “I have initiated many reforms after assuming the post of the VC. To produce industry-ready students, the university has collaborated with many firms,” he said.