Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Apr 15: State minister for law, parliamentary affairs, and higher education T B Jayachandra on Friday April 15 inspected the proposed site for the new advanced science centre at Belapu near here and announced that Rs 50 crore would be released for the project this year.

Jayachandra briefed the media persons after his visit and said, "We need to give priority for starting a university. The science centre is essential for future and is a great concept. We will make sure that additional land is also given as promised in the budget. At present 20 acres of land is available and we need 14 acres more to extend the campus. The ministry is giving complete financial support for the implementation of the project. The project has an outlay of Rs 140 crore, out of which Rs 50 crores will be released this year.

"The research centre will mainly focus on studies on Western Ghats, biogas and other environmental and science projects. Nano technology will also be used in this centre. It will take two years to complete a science centre, because it requires sufficient infrastructure and well-equipped laboratory," he added.

Speaking on family courts he said, "Twenty-two family courts have been announced in the state budget. Nearly 600 family disputes have been reported from Udupi."

Jayachandra also said, "Introducing ICT system (information and communications technology) in the universities can bring transparency in the administration and help prevent malpractices. Rs 100 crore is required to develop ICT system in all the schools and three to four months are needed for completion."

To a question on the controversial Yettinahole project and senior Congress leader Janardhan Poojary's opposition to it, Jayachandra said, "No problem will arise from the Yettinahole project as only excess water will be tapped. If Janardhan Poojary continues opposing this project, I will convince him."

When Jayachandra was asked by media why he did not react to Poojary's statements, he replied, "Because Poojary is an elderly man."

Vice-chancellor of Mangalore University Prof K Byrappa, Rajya Sabha member Oscar Fernandes, urban development and district-in-charge minister Vinay Kumar Sorake and registrar Kemparaj were present.