Sri Venkateshwara University turns 60; goes hi-tech

Hyderabad: “Sri Venkateshwara University has turned sixty two years this year and it is also second oldest university in Andhra Pradesh State that have been transforming with advanced technologies, infrastructure and also with new academic activities. It is a pride to me at this time I am working as Vice Chancellor of this esteemed university”, says VC Avula Damodaram. Talking to The Young Hans, VC Avuala Damodram shared the developments happened in the university in the last two years.

The VC shared that “SVU was reaccredited with NAAC Grade A+ rating and in the whole country only four public universities own it. At the same time our university has selected under Category-I status in one of the top 10 Universities in India by University Grants Commission (UGC), with selection of category –I Ministry of Human Resources (MHRD) has sanctioned special grant Rs 120 crores under Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan. Rashtriya Uchchattar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA).

SVU has got Times Higher Education - World University Ranking – 2018 under Golden Age University Category, University Secured 101-150 among the Universities established between 1945 and 1967 in the 44 Nations Worldwide” . “With RUSA funds our university has chalked out a plan to establish DR BR Ambedkar Knowledge Center inside the campus beside of the varsity library at cost of Rs 7 core with 33,000 Square feet in three floors. Recently AP state Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has laid foundation stone in the campus. In the ground floor of the knowledge Center University a research journals reading hall and audio video speeches of eminent scientist and researchers are availed for students.

Similarly, in the second floor of the center we have planned to construct a 24/7 students studying room for preparation of exams with air condition facility. We are planning to one more facility in third floor for student multi activity hall, it will be constructed with projectors and screens for conducting competitive exams coaching for varsity benefit of the students” further the VC added.

VC Damodram informed that Initiatives were taken by the university to make the campus eco-friendly. Energy conservation: LED lights, biomass plant which recycles the solid waste generated from the hostels, canteens and other areas of the campus. Solar energy is used to supply hot water for Science laboratories, SVU is successfully producing power with self reliance through 2 MW solar power generation unit. This unit was established with the cooperation of NEDCAP.

Organised prestigious events

The SVU has organised many national and international prestigious events during last two years. We had conducted 99th Annual Conference of the Indian Economic Association (IEA) during 27-29th December, 2016. And also organised 104th Indian Science Congress during January 3-7, 2017. Further one more important event 91st Annual General Meeting (Association of Indian Universities) with all the Vice-Chancellors of Indian Universities during held 5-7th February 2017”, added the Vice Chancellor.

Talking about the latest initiatives, The VC said that “Following units have been established to strengthen Academic, Teaching, Research, Consultancy, Extension activities and overall development of the University: Academic Audit is being carried out to strengthen the academic and affiliation procedures. Women Empowerment and Grievances is introduced to promote Women’s welfare and to solve the grievances of women community. Industry Institute Interaction, Placement and Training strengthens the interrelationship between Industries and University and improve the placement opportunities.

Student Career Development and Counseling is a centre which will coordinate and motivate student Community for its Career Development activities. Bureau of Research, Industrial and Consultancy Services shall endeavor to enhance resource mobilisation. Information Technology Cell and Data Centre” creates and analyses the digital data. Varsity has established digital technology innovation and incubation centre (DTIIC) under CSR to guide the students towards corporate ready attributes, SVU College of Engineering awarded with NBA Accreditation first time for 5 B.Tech and 4 M.Tech Programmes”.

Reforms

“I have taken many steps to adhere to almanac strictly. Results are being declared on record time by new set of reforms and decentralisation of administration. Hostel facilities are being upgraded in addition to supply of RO water to all the Hostel mates. Providing (Campus Wide Network facility) through Wi-Fi connectivity (24 X 7). Sri Venkateswara University has signed an MOU with Reliance JIO Infocomm Ltd., and made the University as first WIFI enabled University. It has implemented automation in the Academic and Examination branches from the academic year 2016. Security arrangement through agencies is implemented to ensure effective security on the campus. Biometric Attendance facilities with Aadhar linkage and CC cameras are installed. University has initiated National Academic Depository (NAD) systems as per the directions of MHRD, New Delhi. University has initiated Digital Payment Systems (DZPAY) for cashless transactions”, further the VC added.