Besu upgrade proposal

Updated on: Thursday, October 14, 2010

The Union cabinet on Tuesday cleared the proposal to upgrade Bengal Engineering and Science University (Besu) to the status of the country’s first Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST). The ministry of human resource development had kept the proposal on hold following the clashes on the campus in 2008.

After the upgrade, Besu won’t be under the state government’s control any longer and be placed under the MHRD like the IITs, IIMs and the central universities. So, students taking the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations (WBJEE) in 2011 won’t be able to apply for Besu. The institute will choose students from among those who take the All India Engineering Entrance examinations (AIEEE). While 50% students will be from other states, the remaining will be kept reserved for West Bengal.

Over the next three years, Besu will admit 4,000 students combining the UG and PG courses, which is more than its existing strength. “We will only offer integrated courses with dual degrees. The students will have to study for five years and get both the BTech and MTech degrees together,” said vice-chancellor Ajay Ray.

The SK Joshi Committee had earlier chosen seven institutes for the IIEST and Institute of National Importance (INI) status. Later, the Anandkrishnan Committee recommended the tag for five institutes across the country. Besu topped the list.

Students on campus celebrated the upgrade as soon as the news reached Besu. “Teachers and students of Besu have pledged to ensure that the institution becomes the country’s best,” said vice-chancellor Ajay Ray. He said more central funds will flow in for the first IIEST in the country. “We expect the money will provide us with an opportunity to start a massive campus development. There are a lot of proposals,” said Ray.

Among the project plans are setting up of an academic complex, a 1,500-seater auditorium, a convention centre, labs, a new library and a multi-storey hostel complex. “We plan to enhance the existing libraries too and expand the existing system and infrastructure,” Ray added.

The university has concentrated over the last one year on its research projects in development of a centre for green energy, a centre for healthcare, science and technology and clean water technology. At the centre for excellence of healthcare, science and technology, medical imaging and image processing will be the focus. Early diagnosis of cancer, using automated diagnostic procedures from radiological and pathological data, and development of a patient-specific prosthesis unit will also be given emphasis at the centre.

“Last week, members from the department of science and technology had visited Besu. They have decided to set up a regional research hub for solar energy on the campus,” said Ray.

Besu upgrade proposal

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