Latest news with #MarIvaniosCollege
The Hindu
5 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Minister R. Bindu releases Knowledge Systems of Kerala
Higher Education Minister R. Bindu formally released Knowledge Systems of Kerala, a textbook introduced by the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC), at a function held here on Thursday. The Minister presented the first copy of the book to Mar Ivanios College Principal Meera George. The event featured an introduction to the book by KSHEC vice-chairperson Rajan Gurukkal. Member secretary Rajan Varughese spoke on the occasion. The publication serves as an introductory outline of the indigenous knowledge systems that have evolved over centuries in Kerala. It encompasses a wide range of topics such as art forms, cultural practices, oral traditions, and documented knowledge in written texts. The book contains nine thematic chapters and is available in both English and Malayalam. It has been developed as a key resource for the multidisciplinary courses offered in the third semester of the four-year undergraduate programme. (EOM)
The Hindu
06-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Government faces dilemma as aided colleges pursue deemed university status
The bid by two prominent aided colleges in Kerala to acquire 'Deemed to be University' status has left the State government in a spot of bother. While a virtual visit of the Rajagiri School of Social Sciences, Ernakulam, by the University Grants Commission (UGC) is complete, the procedure at Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram, will be held within a few days. The development is feared to have far-reaching consequences for the State's higher education sector. The government recently passed a landmark Bill that envisioned encouraging reputed college managements to establish private universities. However, the present development could prompt more institutions to seek the deemed status, as it offers more operational flexibility than the private university framework under the State legislation. Notably, deemed universities could function as a cluster of institutions, while private universities will not be permitted to establish multiple campuses in the State. Policy analysts fear this shift could undermine the aided sector and even public universities in the long term. As many as 118 colleges in Kerala, predominantly government aided institutes, at present possess NAAC 'A' grade with a CGPA range of 3.01 to 3.25. A valid accreditation by the NAAC with at least 3.01 CGPA for three consecutive cycles is a prerequisite to seek the deemed status. 'Since several institutions fit the bill in Kerala, many could follow suit, lured by the ability to determine fees on their own. Besides, self-financing colleges, run by common managements, could come under the newly-formed universities,' a source said. Both applicants are learnt to eye the deemed status, even while receiving grant-in-aid. While the government is yet to state its official position, an evolving controversy in Karnataka assumes relevance in this light. The Government of Karnataka recently ordered an inquiry into some institutions that received financial assistance, even after becoming deemed universities. Meanwhile, Mar Ivanios College refuted reports that the institution is attempting to bypass the government to attain the status. The present proceedings are merely the continuation of an application submitted three years ago. It stated that the management had submitted its application to the UGC in May 2022 at a time when the government had not yet declared any clear policy regarding deemed universities. While a recommendation from the government was required as part of the application process, the government officially responded stating that the matter was under review and a reply would be given later. This official communication was submitted along with the college's application to the UGC.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Aided colleges risk losing govt aid over seeking deemed univ status
T'puram: At least two aided colleges in Kerala have initiated steps to earn deemed university status against the wishes and policies of the state govt. Higher education minister R Bindu said no aided college can acquire deemed university status without risking the financial assistance they get from the govt. According to reports, Mar Ivanios College in Thiruvananthapuram, and Rajagiri School of Social Sciences in Kalamassery have approached University Grants Commission (UGC) for deemed status and sources said UGC has started its due process on their applications. Earlier, the colleges failed to obtain a no-objection certificate from the govt to change their status into deemed universities. Govt did not respond to their requests for assurance regarding the salary paid by the govt for staff in aided colleges. "Govt has not given permission to any aided college to approach UGC for deemed university status. No college management should think they can continue to enjoy govt-aided status and continue to receive substantial funding from govt if they start functioning as deemed universities. Govt will stop funding such institutions," said Bindu. The Syam B Menon committee, appointed by the govt to bring reforms in higher education sector, recommended the govt against promoting more deemed universities. Instead, it wanted govt to promote private universities. It also recommended govt to consider deemed university proposals with certain conditions. Private managements were reportedly exploring this clause in the report to further their interest. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Experience three trade fairs with just one ticket Undo automatica 2025 Undo Laser World of Photonics Undo World of Quantum Undo Visit automatica: June 24-27, Munich Undo If aided colleges, which already enjoy autonomous status, become deemed universities, they will be free to fix fees and decide on student admissions. Instead of state law, UGC regulations (2023) would be applicable to them. State govt pays the staff salaries at aided colleges as per the direct payment agreement signed between govt and managements in 1972.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
Kollam candidates achieve top ranks in UPSC civil services exam 2024
T'puram: Kollam is celebrating as three of its candidates secured spots in the top 100 of UPSC civil services exam, the results of which were announced on Tuesday. Kollam native GP Nandana (23) came third in state as she secured the 47th rank. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now She is the youngest rank holder from Kerala this year. A native of Valakom near Kottarakkara, she completed her degree in English literature from Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram. After graduation, she enrolled at Fortune IAS Academy in the state capital for civil services coaching. Nandana said she was happy with her rank. "It's a dream come true. I received excellent coaching and that helped me secure a good rank. I prefer Kerala cadre and I hope to get a posting here," she said. This was her second attempt, after narrowly missing out the first time. Nandana's parents are school teachers and she credits them for her success. Another top performer is Pathanapuram native Reenu Anna Mathews (25), who bagged the 81st rank. Mathews, who completed her graduation from St Stephen's College, New Delhi, did her civil services training at iLearn IAS Academy in Thiruvananthapuram. She succeeded in her fourth attempt. "I opted for foreign service as my first choice, but I would also be happy to work in Kerala cadre," she said. Her father Mathew George is a retired shipping officer while her mother Ani Mathew is a housewife. The third candidate from the district is Devika Priyadarshini (29), who secured the 95th rank. Originally from Chathannoor, Devika now lives in Valiyavila, Thiruvananthapuram, with her husband, Aravind MJ, a commercial pilot. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now She cleared the exam in her very first attempt. Priyadarshini, who trained at iLearn IAS Academy, said she would be happy to get a posting under Kerala cadre. 'Becoming a collector was my dream' Kottayam: Mundakayam native Sonnet Jose (24), who secured the 54th rank in the UPSC civil service exam, said she nursed a dream of becoming a collector right from her childhood. "I was part of the student police cadets during my school days and I got a chance to interact with people who lived in tribal villages," she said, adding that this was one of the reasons for pursuing her dream. After schooling in Mundakayam and Kanjirappally, she did her graduation in physics from Miranda House in New Delhi. After graduation, she joined a training academy in Thiruvananthapuram. "This was my second attempt. In my first attempt, I reached the interview phase. I thank my parents and teachers who encouraged me to achieve my dream," she said.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Kollam candidates achieve top ranks in civil services exam 2024
T'puram: Kollam is celebrating as three of its candidates secured spots in the top 100 of UPSC civil services exam, the results of which were announced on Tuesday. While Thiruvalla native Malavika G Nair 's became the state topper by securing the 45th rank, Kollam native GP Nandana (23) came second in state as she secured the 47th rank. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now She is the youngest rank holder from Kerala this year. A native of Valakom near Kottarakkara, she completed her degree in English literature from Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram. After graduation, she enrolled at Fortune IAS Academy in the state capital for civil services coaching. Nandana said she was happy with her rank. "It's a dream come true. I received excellent coaching and that helped me secure a good rank. I prefer Kerala cadre and I hope to get a posting here," she said. This was her second attempt, after narrowly missing out the first time. Nandana's parents are school teachers and she credits them for her success. Another top performer is Pathanapuram native Reenu Anna Mathews (25), who bagged the 81st rank. Mathews, who completed her graduation from St Stephen's College, New Delhi, did her civil services training at iLearn IAS Academy in Thiruvananthapuram. She succeeded in her fourth attempt. "I opted for foreign service as my first choice, but I would also be happy to work in Kerala cadre," she said. Her father Mathew George is a retired shipping officer while her mother Ani Mathew is a housewife. The third candidate from the district is Devika Priyadarshini (29), who secured the 95th rank. Originally from Chathannoor, Devika now lives in Valiyavila, Thiruvananthapuram, with her husband, Aravind MJ, a commercial pilot. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now She cleared the exam in her very first attempt. Priyadarshini, who trained at iLearn IAS Academy, said she would be happy to get a posting under Kerala cadre. 'Becoming a collector was my dream' Kottayam: Mundakayam native Sonnet Jose (24), who secured the 54th rank in the UPSC civil service exam, said she nursed a dream of becoming a collector right from her childhood. "I was part of the student police cadets during my school days and I got a chance to interact with people who lived in tribal villages," she said, adding that this was one of the reasons for pursuing her dream. After schooling in Mundakayam and Kanjirappally, she did her graduation in physics from Miranda House in New Delhi. After graduation, she joined a training academy in Thiruvananthapuram. "This was my second attempt. In my first attempt, I reached the interview phase. I thank my parents and teachers who encouraged me to achieve my dream," she said.
