Punjabi varsity VC stresses need for vigorous grants

Patiala, February 20

Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the green light to the launch of 78 projects under the Pradhan Mantri Uchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM Usha) during an online ceremony today.

A gathering of university administrative staff, faculty members and students watched the ceremony online in the Senate Hall.

Vice Chancellor Arvind said all universities of the country needed grants for their development and it should be given dynamically. He said that after competition among more than 500 universities across the country, 78 universities received this grant.

To raise the standard of education and educational institutions, Professor Arvind emphasised the need to give grant to all universities vigorously.

Five universities of Punjab had applied for the grant but only Punjabi University got it. Professor Arvind said the university got 100% marks due to “A” plus grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

This has been possible due to the hard work of the staff and students of the university.

While congratulating the team that prepared the proposal for the PM Usha scheme, Professor Arvind said this grant had come at a time when the university needed it the most.

With the money received under the grant, the physical and digital infrastructure of the university will be improved and updated. Accordingly, construction of classrooms for new courses, renovation, extension of buildings, sewage plants, lifts for multi-storey buildings and other works will be undertaken with the grant.

The astronomical observatory located at the university will be re-commissioned. New digital laboratories and network facilities will be set up. Laboratory equipment will be purchased for new courses of science departments. This grant will also help to start training for entrepreneurship and career-oriented courses.