Pune: The University of Pune senate has approved a massive annual budget of Rs555 crore for 2014-15 fiscal year, which is its highest ever. The budget, showing a deficit of Rs159 crore, has substantial allocations for skill development, industrial development, innovation centre, science park, folk art and research centre. However, questions regarding the implementation of the proposed schemes in the coming days haven't yet been addressed. In addition, the varsity has earmarked Rs44.75 crore for students' inclusive development, under which students from earn-and-learn scheme have been included. For students from the affiliated colleges, Rs50 lakh has been allocated under the Students Insurance Scheme.
Senate member Dr Sunanda Navale presented the budget before the senate, which was formally approved after cut-motions and other suggestions made by other senate members. "Though the university sets aside funds under different heads, they are not utilised. It unnecessarily inflates the overall budget, showing deficit," said senate members Ashok Kamble and Mahes Abale.
Abale said that in the last budget there were budgetary provision for colleges in tribal areas. However, it was not spent and a suggestion has been made that the varsity should make sure that it should be spent on the particular heads after allocation of funds.
New plans
Skill Development Centre : In the current budget, in order to hone skills of the students who are industry-ready, the varsity has proposed to start a skill development centre in the university premises.
Industry Development Centre : In order to increase entrepreneurship skills among students and to help them set up their own startups, the varsity has plans to start a Centre for Industry Development.
Innovation Centre : To encourage students to carry out innovative research in various fields which can later be commercialised, an innovation centre will be set in the premises of the university. The centre will be a crucial vital cog between the university and the industry.
Science Park : To inculcate the interest among the students with respect to science, a well-equipped science park is on the anvil.
Other budgetary provisions: Plans for a folk art study and research centre, multilingual research centre, and a well-equipped Information Technology cell is also on the cards.
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