Higher Education Minister R. Bindu inaugurates major college infrastructure projects across State

Higher Education Minister R. Bindu has said that the State is making remarkable strides in the higher education sector through infrastructure development and comprehensive curriculum reforms.

She was speaking after inaugurating the renovated AR Centre (Oriental Block) at University College, Thiruvananthapuram, and several newly completed buildings in colleges across the State here on Wednesday.

According to the Minister, the government has invested ₹6,000 crore over the past four years for infrastructure development in the higher education sector. The implementation of four-year undergraduate programmes has brought transformative changes in both the content and approach to education. Moreover, the revised curriculum has been designed to enhance employability skills and foster research aptitude among students.

Emphasising the concept of ‘work while studying’, she said campuses must empower students to become entrepreneurs and job creators. Besides, under the ‘Scholar Connect’ scheme, students are being provided opportunities to interact with diaspora experts working abroad.

Dr. Bindu said that development works worth ₹22 crore, sanctioned by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), have been completed at the University College. The heritage Oriental Block was renovated without compromising its architectural legacy, alongside the construction of a new Language Block and a Laboratory Block.

Infrastructure development works undertaken at Government Victoria College, Palakkad; Kodiyeri Balakrishnan Memorial Government College, Thalassery; Government Arts and Science College, Chelakkara; Government Arts and Science College, Pathirippala; Government Arts and Science College, Kulathoor; MMS Government Arts and Science College Malayinkeezhu; Government Arts and Science College, Karunagappally; and Government Arts and Science College, Mankada were also inaugurated.

University College Principal Santhosh Kumar K.R. presided over the function.