Govt. sanctions land for CUK Capital Centre in Thiruvananthapuram

The State government has allotted land in Thiruvananthapuram for establishing a permanent capital centre of the Central University of Kerala (CUK).

The Revenue Department, through a government order issued on March 15, sanctioned the allotment of 2.83 hectares (around seven acres) of land in Andoorkonam village in Thiruvananthapuram district to establish the university’s capital centre. The land will be leased to the university for 35 years at a nominal rate of ₹1 per annum, subject to conditions under the Kerala Land Assignment Rules, 1964.

CUK will be required to begin construction within six months of taking possession of the land. The government has also stipulated that the land cannot be transferred or used for purposes other than the sanctioned project.

The centre has been operating from a rented facility since 2014. The delay in land allotment had impeded the development of the centre which currently offers a BA Honours programme in International Relations, and attracts several students from various parts of the country and abroad.

Over the years, several sites, including in Kudappanakunnu, Vithura, Azhoor, and Vattappara, were explored by the State government for establishing the campus, but the proposals failed to materialise.

University authorities have indicated that a permanent campus in Thiruvananthapuram would allow the institution to expand its academic offerings and introduce new programmes catering to students.

CUK Vice-Chancellor Siddu P. Algur said the proposed campus would significantly enhance the academic and research activities of the capital centre.

“As the State capital, Thiruvananthapuram is also expected to attract more international students and students from other States. New academic programmes aligned with emerging global and national opportunities will be introduced. The presence of several higher education and research institutions in the city will further facilitate academic collaboration and joint research initiatives,” he said, while pledging steps to initiate the construction of a modern campus at the earliest.