Calicut varsity plans to seek CSR funds for development projects
The University of Calicut is planning to seek funds under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme of companies and from philanthropic individuals for some of its future development projects. A Syndicate meeting held on the campus at Tenhipalam in Malappuram district on April 28 approved a proposal for the purpose, moved by Vice-Chancellor P. Raveendran to take up 11 such projects.
According to sources, the projects are, a centre for music and performing studies, student science centre, placement and training centre, renovation of the auditorium at the Dr. John Matthai Centre in Thrissur under the university that also houses the School of Drama, interpretation centre and meeting hall at the botanical garden, convention centre and new library complex, a multi-purpose centre titled Unity Square, new ladies' hostel, open stage and architectural beautification, Freedom Park in memory of the Independence struggle, and an international hostel and guest house.
The proposal says that the work shall be conducted by the university or an external agency decided by the grantor organisation. It will be based on a memorandum of understanding signed between the university and the organisation. Such buildings or facilities shall remain the property of the university. Based on individual cases, branding or commemoration of such buildings shall be permitted based on mutual agreement. It shall also be possible for the agencies/individuals to construct the facility and hand it over to the university on mutually agreeable terms and conditions. The mode of operations and auditing for such expenditure shall be as per the terms and conditions arrived at jointly by the university and the donor agency.
Mr. Raveendran points out in the proposal that the major source of funding for the university continues to be the limited grants received from the government. As a people's university, it is essential to involve the community in the university's developmental journey and vision, he says.
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