Latest news with #Jayakara
New Indian Express
28-06-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Infra work at Bangalore University fully compliant with regulations, eco-harm claims misleading, says VC
BENGALURU: Refuting concerns regarding environmental damage caused by new construction under the Centre's PM-USHA scheme, Bangalore University on Friday clarified that the ongoing infrastructure works at its Jnana Bharathi campus are fully compliant with environmental regulations and are aimed at meeting the academic and research needs of students through sustainable planning. Clarifying allegations regarding tree felling, Vice-Chancellor Dr Jayakara SM, at a press conference, stated that the proposed construction site is not part of its bio-park or any ecologically sensitive zone. 'The area comprises mainly Eucalyptus (Nilgiri) and Acacia trees — species that are not rare or endangered. Of the 419 trees at the site, only 282 may be removed, including 169 Nilgiri trees. The remaining 137 trees, located in the buffer zone, will be preserved, and smaller trees will be relocated to nearby areas,' the VC said. Dr Jayakara added that the claims raised by a few individuals about ecological harm are misleading and ignore the broader context of sustainable development and infrastructure needs. 'In accordance with the Karnataka Preservation of Trees Act, 1976, the university will plant ten saplings for every tree removed,' Dr Jayakara said.
The Hindu
22-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Bangalore University set to give life and health insurances to students on Jnana Bharati campus
In a unique move, Bangalore University has decided to provide life insurance and health insurance to all students studying on its Jnana Bharathi campus. A decision to this effect was taken in the recent syndicate meeting of the university. The decision will be implemented from the academic year 2025-26. There are a total of 54 departments related to various undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. programs, and more than 4,000 students, on the Jnana Bharathi campus. Additionally, the syndicate has directed that all students of the university's affiliated colleges should be registered for insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Suraksha Yojana. Why the initiative Most students studying at Bangalore University are from rural areas and belong to economically and socially weaker sections. Two major roads pass through the Jnana Bharathi campus: one from Mysuru Road towards Ullal and the other from Nagarbavi towards Kengeri. These roads are consistently congested with traffic, and accidents are frequent; as a result, students are often injured in these incidents. A postgraduate student died in a bus accident two years ago. When any such accident occurs, compensation is provided to the students and their parents from the university's funds, which the insurance will now cover. Decision in 2017 Bangalore University had decided to provide health insurance to all its students in 2017. It had also formed an expert committee in this regard. The committee had discussed and submitted a report on the total premium amount of health insurance, including the student's share and the university's share. But it was not implemented. However, there was a demand from students for health insurance. Students were registered under the 'Ayushman Bharat' scheme in 2024-25, and Ayushman cards were issued. However, as there is limited coverage under this scheme, the university has decided to provide additional life insurance and health insurance facilities for improved coverage. Speaking to The Hindu, M.S. Jayakara, Vice-Chancellor of the University, said, 'Most of our students are from economically weaker families. They are not able to afford life insurance and health insurance. Till now, compensation has been provided from the university's accumulated fund, which has become a burden. In this context, it has been decided to provide insurance facilities to all students.' Implementation The university has decided to include the insurance premium amount with the annual fees paid by students. 'I have instructed the finance officers to discuss and report on the insurance amount to be fixed for students. The insurance scheme will be implemented without burdening the students by getting assistance from the State government too,' said Dr. Jayakara. Students welcome move Students have welcomed the initiative, but requested that the insurance premium should not be a burden on them. 'Our university's decision to provide insurance facilities for the safety of students is commendable. However, students should not be burdened with the insurance premium. It would be better if the university itself pays most of the premium amount, or even makes it free of cost,' said Sinchana, a postgraduate student.
