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Time of India
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Report paints poor picture of state's higher edu sector'
T'puram: Contrary to the state govt's claims, the higher education sector in Kerala performed poorly in the 2025 NITI Aayog report . The report presented a dismal picture of the higher education institutions, especially state universities , Save University Campaign Committee (SUCC) has said.. The think-tank said that the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) report highlighted that the density of universities and colleges in the state were far behind that of other states in south India. Moreover, only four of the total 14 universities in the state featured in the best 100 list. SUCC said that the state govt's attempt to reduce the universities into govt departments by taking away their autonomy would further harm the higher education sector in Kerala. "For the improvement of the higher education sector, the quality of state universities should improve significantly. The NITI Aayog report underlines the fact that the excellence of a few institutions like IIT and IISER is not enough to improve the quality of the sector as a whole," the committee said. The percentage of students between the age group of 18 to 23 pursuing higher education is 28.4% nationally. While it is 47% in Tamil Nadu and 43% in Himachal Pradesh, it is 41.3% in Kerala and 40% in Telangana. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch Bitcoin và Ethereum - Không cần ví! IC Markets BẮT ĐẦU NGAY Undo The figures, unlike what the higher education minister R Bindu claims, were not inspiring, SUCC said. Moreover, contrary to the claims of the state govt, the best student-teacher ratio in the country is not in Kerala. It is Tamil Nadu, with a ratio of 1:14, compared to 1:15 in Kerala. SUCC also said the govt should allow the universities to function as autonomous institutions and grow independently. The attempts to usurp the autonomy of state universities would only further weaken the institutions, they added.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Advanced drone pilot training initiative launched to boost youth employment
Thiruvananthapuram: Higher education minister R Bindu inaugurated an advanced drone pilot training initiative at Rajadhani Engineering College in Nagaroor near Attingal. The programme is being launched by ASAP Kerala in collaboration with the Centre for Aerospace Research, Anna University, a DGCA-approved institution. Speaking at the event, Bindu emphasised the govt's commitment to bridging the gap between education and employment. "Drones are rapidly emerging as a major source of employment, ranging from agriculture to national defence. We must prepare our youth to seize these opportunities," she said. She highlighted ASAP Kerala's role in transforming the state into a knowledge-based society and announced that the next centre of excellence in drone pilot training will be established in Thrissur. The event also featured a seminar and drone exhibition led by space scientist Myilsamy Annadurai. Students also participated in live demonstrations and interactive sessions. Attingal MLA O S Ambika, ASAP Kerala CMD Usha Titus, Centre for Aerospace Research director Senthil Kumar, Nagaroor panchayat president Smita D, Rajadhani Group chairman Biju Ramesh, ASAP Kerala head Liju I P Nair and Rajadhani College principal Madhukumar S were also present.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Row over PhD admission denial: Kerala higher education department conducts inspection at Kalam Technical University
T'puram: Amid the controversy over the alleged denial of PhD admission to a former syndicate member of APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (KTU), the state higher education department conducted an inspection at the university headquarters after minister R Bindu received a complaint. Following this, KTU vice chancellor K Sivaprasad approached governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar seeking further directions. Ever since former governor Arif Mohammed Khan appointed Sivaprasad as the interim VC of KTU against the state govt's wish, the CPM nominees in the syndicate have been constantly clashing with Sivaprasad, resulting in an academic and administrative stalemate at the university. It is alleged that the additional secretary, with a team of officials, had made a flash visit to the university headquarters, rummaged through documents, and forced the university registrar to give a statement on why PhD admission was denied to the former syndicate member. At the centre of the row is also the powers the state govt could possibly possess under the Universities Act Amendment Bill pending before governor Arlekar. The amendments empower the minister or the official deputed by her to call for the university files. However, the existing act and laws do not have such provisions. Former higher education minister KT Jaleel had landed in trouble for his direct intervention, forcing the university authorities to violate the examination rules to help a student. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Viral Video: मृत्यू कसाही येऊ शकतो! सीसीटीव्हीत कैद झाली काळीज पिळवटणारी घटना Latest News Read More Undo Earlier, the VC had apprised the governor of the additional secretary's 'unlawful' visit and examination of university files. The governor is learnt to have initiated steps to summon the official concerned at Raj Bhavan and seek an explanation.
New Indian Express
13-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Crisis intervention centre a ray of hope for transgenders in Kerala
KOCHI: Aiming to provide round-the-clock protection to transgender people in the state, the social justice department has set up a Transgender Crisis Intervention Centre in Kakkanad. First-of-its-kind in the state and perhaps in the country, the facility is soon to be functional. It will offer 24-hour counselling facilities and shelter to transgender people who are struggling. The facility, completed at a cost of Rs 24 lakh, was inaugurated by Social Justice Minister R Bindu on Monday. 'Transgender people face sexual harassment, physical assault and mental abuse from individuals around them. Often neglected by their family, they even encounter violence at home. In such cases, they can seek shelter at the facility,' said district social justice officer Cino Xavi. 'The project aims to create an inclusive space for transgender individuals. Counsellors will be available to provide mental health support to them for handling emergency situations and coping with stress. If necessary, we will also provide legal and medical support,' added Cino.
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Crisis intervention centre for transgender individuals to begin operations in Ernakulam
Kochi: A crisis intervention centre for transgender individuals will begin operations in Kakkanad, Ernakulam , on Monday, said minister of higher education and social justice R Bindu in state govt has been implementing various projects for the comprehensive upliftment of transgender individuals, considering the importance of areas ranging from education and healthcare to self-employment skill training and marriage financial assistance. However, transgender individuals face various forms of social abuse, discrimination, neglect, mistreatment, physical assault and mental harassment. To address these challenges and provide necessary interventions and mental support, a 24-hour crisis intervention centre will be operational in Ernakulam, the minister centre aims to alleviate the mental stress experienced by transgender individuals in various crises, including sexual harassment, physical assault, mental abuse, domestic violence and health-related issues, the minister added. The centre will offer a 24-hour helpline number and counselling services. Coordination with various departments, including police and health, will be carried out at the centre, which will also support transgender individuals during emergencies such as natural disasters and epidemics. The centre's goal is to provide immediate care to individuals in crisis and help them return to normalcy, she the initial phase, necessary staff, including three counsellors and a coordinator, will be appointed to operate the centre. A 24-hour active helpline number, 1800 425 2147, will be available as soon as the centre begins operations. Preliminary activities to equip the crisis intervention centre as a full-time call centre with modern information technology facilities have also commenced, the minister previous fiscal years, Rs 24.75 lakh were spent on building renovation works for this purpose. In the current fiscal year, Rs 34 lakh have been allocated for project activities, the minister stated. The centre will be operated by transgender individuals themselves.
