Boost for HPU on foundation day

Tribune News Service
Shimla, July 22

The state government will take up with the Centre the matter of declaring Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) a Central university so that it could get adequate funds for development and expansion, said Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, while presiding over the 50th foundation day of the HPU here today.

Thakur, who dedicated and laid foundation stones of development projects worth Rs 8.20 crore in the university, also announced the enhancement of HPU budget from the existing Rs 115 crore to Rs 130 crore.

Congratulating the teachers, students and non-teaching members, he said the university was established with an aim to empower the people through educational process by undertaking teaching, research and outreach programmes.

The campus should be a repository of knowledge, an instrument for dissemination of knowledge and promoting the traditions and values enshrined in Indian heritage and tradition for which teachers should come up with new ideas, Thakur said.

The state government is committed to providing adequate infrastructure so as to facilitate students and provide all possible help for establishing a new campus at Ghanahatti as well as expansion of other activities of the university.

Due to topographic constraints, the campus was not well-planned and emphasised that proper planning and research must be done before executing projects to derive the maximum benefits. The CM released a university newsletter “Himshikhar”, research journals, souvenir and other publications and books. Padmashri Dr Omesh Bharti was also honoured for his contribution in providing cost-effective treatment of rabies. He also honoured teachers, students and employees for their outstanding contributions.

Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj said the HPU had created a special place for itself due to hardworking teachers, students and other staff. Since its establishment in 1970, the university had produced several alumni who have brought laurels to the university and state.

Vice-Chancellor Sikander Kumar said the university would be computerised by July-end and the campus would have wi-fi facility by the end of this year. New departments would be established in the HPU and the condition of hostels would be improved.

Memo against VC

SFI activists lodged their protest against the ‘arbitrary decisions and double standards’ of the Vice-Chancellor and submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister, demanding restoration of direct elections to the Students Central Association (SCA). They also sought strict action against teachers involved in student politics. In another memorandum, NSUI activists also demanded restoration of the SCA elections and steps to stop saffronising of the university.

Gift to varsity

• Residential building of the non-teaching staff of the university inaugurated. University Model School (Phase-III) opened. Library for visually challenged 
• Network, jointly established by the HPU and Space Tele-infra, inaugurated. Stone laid for residential building of Class IV employees