UGC to declare Bangalore University’s fate in September

An expert team from University Grants Commission (UGC), which was in the city for the past three days, has gathered information it needed to decide on awarding Bangalore University a ‘University with Potentiality for Excellence’ tag.

A team of nine members comprising three vice-chancellors from universities outside Karnataka and other members designated by UGC was in BU and evaluated the research work done by the departments. Officials from the university told DNA: “The team will announce the results on September 7.”

Few months ago, BU had applied to the UGC to avail benefits under ‘University with Potentiality for Excellence’. Earlier, the visit was scheduled for January but was postponed and the team finally arrived in Bangalore on August 24.

Under this scheme, UGC will provide Rs50 crore financial assistance to select universities. From Karnataka, the commission has shortlisted Mysore University, Karnatak University, Dharwad, and Bangalore University.

If BU proves its eligibility under the scheme, it can manage to pay one year’s salaries to all its employees with the grant money. “If we get Rs50 crore under the scheme, we will be able to manage one year’s salary for the entire staff,” said an official.

Under the scheme, UGC will release funds in two sets — Rs15 crore for research projects and Rs35 crore for developmental works of the university. 

“The team members visited all the departments and evaluated the research work and projects done by the faculty. The report prepared by the team will be submitted to UGC and at a meeting scheduled for September 7, we will get to know the results,” said the official.