Grant autonomy to increase standard of Indian universities: VIT Chancellor

In an interaction with DT Next on Monday, Viswanathan said there needs to be a major change at the ground level. “In abroad, all universities by their very nature are autonomous. If this is done here, then there will be competition between government and private universities which will then bring down education cost and raise standards” he stated. 

He also said Tamil Nadu has the potential to emerge as an international educational hub. “We have the advantage of sound English knowledge and the low cost of education, which is just one fourth of what a student will spend for the same degree in the UK, USA or Australia.”

To realise that potential, Viswanathan called upon the central and state governments increase their education budget. 

“It requires an additional budgetary allocation, which at present is less than 4% in the central government budget,” Viswanathan said, adding that the move will also ensure more foreign exchange for the nation by attracting international students.

He added that VIT would shortly bring a team of agricultural experts from Israel to Vellore to educate farmers on improving productivity using reduced water. VIT has also been invited by Laos to setup a university in their country. 

Meanwhile, Actor Rana Daggubati of Baahubali fame was the chief guest at the valedictory function of VIT university’s annual fest Riviera on Sunday. A record 28,000 students from India as well 28 foreign countries participated in 128 events organised at the festival.