Higher Education Department

POLICY NOTE - 2006 – 2007

Demand No. 20

5.   ANNA UNIVERSITY

5.1   Anna University was established on the 4th September 1978  as a Unitary type Technical University by bringing together four  institutions namely (1) College of Engineering, Guindy, (2) Alagappa College of Technology, (3) Madras Institute of Technology, Chromepet and (4) School of Architecture and Planning.  It has been growing steadily since then and has emerged as a leading technical university in the country.  Since December 2001, it has become an affiliating type University, having brought into its fold 4 constituent colleges, 225 self-financing colleges, 3 Government-aided and 6 Government Colleges located in various parts of Tamil Nadu.

5.2   The  routine activities of Anna University include :

1.          Conduct of the TNPCEE every year.  About 1.50 lakh students are appearing  for this examination throughout Tamilnadu in about 284 centres.

2.         Conduct of the on-line real-time distributed counselling for Tamil Nadu Engineering admissions under Single Window admission.

 3.         The task of conducting examinations in such a large university for 238 colleges attached to it is a mammoth one.  In the year ended in  December 2005 approximately 1,84,852 UG students and 15,790 PG students wrote the examinations in about 2164 subjects in        29 UG programme and 80 PG programmes.  1.5 million answer scripts were valued  at 10 zonal centres by about 6000 examiners.

4.         Carrying out the responsibilities of managing the multifarious academic activities of this University and its affiliated colleges.

5.3   The University has proposed to establish another university campus in stature comparable to international standards. This additional campus of Anna University shall house and concentrate more on the upgrading the Interdisciplinary Research Centre, Knowledge Data Centre, Sophisticated Instrumentation Centre, Technology Business Incubator, Technology Venture Business Centre, Intellectual Property Rights Cell, Information and Communication Technology Park,  Research Park, Advanced Research Centres such as Centre for Nano Science and Technology, Space Technology, Advanced Materials and Composites Technology.  This University has also proposed to start an Engineering Staff College to provide ‘in-service training’ and ‘updating of knowledge’ to the affiliated engineering college teachers. 

5.4   The University constitutes committees in all affiliated colleges with a focus on specific problems related to women and students.  Notable among these are: Complaints cum Redressal Committee, Safety Observance Committee, Discipline and Welfare Committee and Aids Awareness Group.

6.  TAMILNADU SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CENTRE

6.1  Tamilnadu Science and Technology Centre,  established by the Government of Tamilnadu in 1983 as an autonomous body, is functioning under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble Minister for Higher  Education.  The main objective of the Centre is to popularise Science and Technology among the common people in general and students in particular.   Tamilnadu Science and Technology Centre has set up a Science Centre including a planetarium in Chennai known as  Periyar Science and Technology Centre.  The planetarium facility,  known as B.M.Birla Planetarium,  was dedicated to the Nation on 11.05.1988 and the Halls of Science and Technology  was dedicated to the Nation on 17.09.1990 by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamilnadu  Dr. Kalaignar M.Karunanidhi.   There are 700 interactive exhibits in the galleries.

6.2  The activities of the Science and Technology Centre include organising science and technology based temporary exhibitions, conducting workshops, seminars, lectures, short-term courses, astronomy Camp and competitions like quiz, essay, elocution, drawing, maths talent search contest, astronomy olympiad, astronomy talent contest, ‘meet your scientist’ and ‘meet your medical expert’ programmes,  short term astronomy courses, computer courses.  Sky observation camps are also conducted during special astronomical events as well as on a regular basis for the public to observe the night sky through Telescopes, on every second Saturdays.  A  Mobile Science Exhibition unit, comprising 24 built-in participatory exhibits and mini-planetarium has been in continuous operation to popularize science and technology among  the rural public and the student community.

6.3  During this  financial year the following facilities will be developed at Periyar Science and Technology Centre, Chennai.

a)        A Gallery on Ocean Technology will be established in the current year in collaboration with the National Institute of Ocean Technology, Government of India at a cost of Rs.40.00 lakhs.

b)       A State level Renewable Energy Park will be established with the financial assistances from Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources, Government of India and from Government of Tamilnadu at a cost of Rs.124.00 lakhs.

c)       Models of the five types of lands described in ancient Tamil literature Kurinchi, Mullai, Marudham, Neithal and Palaai and newly developed science park exhibits of second phase  will be opened to the public shortly.

6.4  The Anna Science Centre at Tiruchirappalli was dedicated to the Nation on 10.06.1999 by the  Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamilnadu Dr. Kalaignar M.Karunanidhi.   The Centre has  Planetarium, Science Park,  Non-Conventional Energy Park and  gallery on Environment. 

6.5        In order to cater to the needs of the people in the  other parts of Tamilnadu:-

a)       A District Science Centre at Vellore will be established with four galleries on Physical Science, Industry, Bio-technology and Environment  at an estimated cost of Rs.230 lakhs. 

b)       It is proposed to set up a Regional Science Centre at Coimbatore with a planetarium and halls of science and technology with the financial assistance of Government of India.

c)       A State Level Quiz Competition will be conducted on the major issues like Environment Protection, Health Awareness, etc. involving 40,000 school students.

7.   TAMILNADU STATE COUNCIL FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 

7.1   The Tamilnadu State Council for Science and Technology was established by the Government of Tamilnadu as an autonomous organization to create scientific temper among the students and encourage research activities among scholars and academicians.  Other than the grants provided by the State Government, the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India  provides funds for various activities of the Council.  

7.2   The following programmes  will be organized during the year 2006-2007: 

Science and Technology Projects (STP) 

7.3   Under this scheme financial assistance is provided to the tune of Rs.2.00 lakhs for a period of 2 years to scientists and researchers working in any of the recognised Research & Development institutions for carrying out Research & Development work in sectors such as Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Veterinary Sciences, Medical Sciences, Social Sciences and Engineering and Technology.  During the year 2006-2007 Scientists, research scholars working in Universities, colleges and research centres in Tamilnadu will be provided funding for project to the  tune of Rs.15.00 lakhs. 

Student Project Scheme (SPS) 

7.4   This scheme is aimed at utilizing the students’ talent for the development of Science and Technology.  Under this scheme, final year  students of UG/PG courses of Engineering/ Medicine/ Agriculture/ Veterinary Sciences and P.G. Students of Sciences are provided with a maximum grant of Rs.10000/- for carrying out socially relevant projects under their curriculum.   During 2006-2007, 200 Student Projects will be supported with a total budget of 12.00 lakhs.

Partial Assistance for Seminar/ Symposium/  Workshop 

7.5  Under this scheme, partial financial assistance is provided to the organisations within the State of  Tamilnadu, who organize such seminars/ symposia/ workshops to foster exchange of scientific knowledge.   During the year 2006-2007, 20 seminars, symposia, and conferences will be provided partial financial assistance with a total outlay of Rs.3.50 lakhs.   Around 2000 scientists, college teachers, research scholars will be benefited by this scheme. 

Travel Grant for Young Scientists 

7.6   Under this scheme young and budding scientists and researchers below 40 years of age and working in organisations (University/ College/ Research Centre) located within the State of Tamilnadu  are provided with 50% of air fare  in case of international conferences and 100% train fare (First class) in case of national conferences  to participate and present their research findings.  

Young Scientists Fellowship Scheme (YSFS) 

7.7   The aim of this scheme is to encourage  young scientists and researchers below 35 years of age to acquaint with latest techniques in research and development and they are  provided with a fellowship of Rs.3000/- P.M for a period of 2 to 6 months in addition to their regular salaries by their parent institutions.  Selected Scientists can undergo training/learn sophisticated instrumentation techniques or modern research methodologies or do collaborative research work with senior scientists in any of the research centers/ Universities within India.   During 2006-2007, 5 Young Scientists will be provided fellowship with a total grant of Rs.50,000 under this scheme. 

Tamilnadu Scientists Award (TANSA) 

7.8        The objective of this scheme is to encourage and honour scientists and researchers   who have significant contribution in their field of specialization through their skill/pioneering or outstanding applied research work and any other  activities leading to S&T development in the State.  Selected scientists are awarded a sum of Rs.10,000/- in cash and a citation.  A total of 10 awards are given every year in different disciplines such as (i) Agriculture (ii) Biology (iii) Chemistry  (iv) Engineering  and Technology  (v) Environment (vi) Medicine (vii) Mathematics (viii) Physics (ix) Social Sciences (x) Veterinary Sciences. 10 Scientists and researchers will be awarded with a cash prize and citation  during 2006-07, with a budget outlay of Rs.1.20 lakhs .  

Popularisation of Science and Technology 

7.9        The objective   of this scheme is to popularize the benefits of Science and Technology among school children, farmers and  public.  Under this scheme financial support is provided to Universities, Colleges, Voluntary Organisations and others to conduct  Science Exhibitions, Teacher Training Programmes, Popular Lectures, Video/Slide Shows and Quiz Competitions on various aspects of Science and Technology.  During the year 2006-07, 50 educational institutions and voluntary organisations will be provided with financial assistance of Rs.7.50 lakhs to popularise science and technology among the masses and students.  About 1.20 lakh students and people will be benefited

 Young Student Scientist Programme

7.10  The objective of this scheme is  to expose the  talented Young  Students of  our  State studying in  IX standard to science and technology so that they take up science and technology as their career in future.  About 40 students selected from a particular district through an entrance test are given this exposure in a reputed college/ university with facilities and resource persons for one month i.e during May.   During 2006-07,  800 IX standard students will be  trained for one month period in 5 centres in 10 educational districts with budget outlay of Rs.10.00 lakhs under this scheme. 

Formation of Patent Information Centre 

7.11   With financial support from the Technology Forecasting and Assessment Council, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, a Patent Information Centre will be formed  in the Council.   The Patent Information Centre  will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs.14.62 lakhs and will be dedicated during the financial year        2006-2007.   The main objective of this Centre is to create awareness about Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) especially patents and guide, in the State of Tamilnadu and neighbouring region of this Centre.  This would enable patent searchers from the universities, Government departments and Research & Development Institutions to patent their inventions. 

Science and Technology intervention for Hospital Waste Disposal using Plasma Pyrolysis 

7.12   Plasma Pyrolysis Technology will be an answer to the problem of hospital waste disposal.  The Council has proposed to take up the project for installation of Plasma Pyrolysis Plant in one of the hospitals in Chennai.  This unit would enable safe disposal and also create awareness among the staff of hospitals and the general public about the need for safe disposal of hospital wastes. The Department of Science and Technology, Government of India will provide a grant of Rs.25.00 lakhs for the installation of the plant.