UGC sanctions Rs50 cr for University of Pune

The University of Pune (UoP) has received a sanction of Rs50 crore from the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the second phase of UPE (University with Potential for Excellence) scheme.

Acting vice-chancellor Sanjay Chahande made the announcement claiming that this is the highest amount of funds sanctioned by UGC to UoP so far.

On October 3, Chahande along with Vasudev Gade, director of Board of College and University Development (BCUD), physics professor Anjali Kshirsagar and politics professor Suhas Palshikar made a presentation to UGC officials.

“The sanction letter came on December 1. Under phase II, the maximum fund that can be given is Rs25 crore which has already been disbursed to UoP. However, they were so pleased with the presentation that they have agreed in principle to sanction Rs25 crore later,’’ said Chahande.

The major heads under which funds will be utilised are Rs7.5 crore for biology and novel material, Rs4 crore for central instrumentation unit including new building and buying instruments used for basic science research, Rs2.5 crore for social sciences and humanities. Rs1 crore each for studying biodiversity of Western Ghat, visiting scholars camp and common seminar hall for social sciences.

“UPE-II is a five-year programme until January 2016 and monitoring committees will come at regular intervals for inspection as well as progress reports are to be submitted periodically for review of implementation,’’ said Gade.