T’puram: Kerala University syndicate on Thursday scrapped a proposal to establish a Rs 2-crore sculpture park featuring statues of Karl Marx, Charles Darwin, Socrates, Rabindranath Tagore and other prominent figures on its Kariavattom campus.The project had been approved by previous syndicate, and Rs 2 crore was earmarked for it in the university’s 2025-26 budget. The sculpture park was proposed to be developed on either side of the main entrance to the campus. The syndicate has now decided to develop a landscaped garden on the campus instead. The amount proposed for installing the sculptures will be used to create additional facilities for students.At its meeting chaired by vice-chancellor Dr Mohanan Kunnummal, the syndicate also decided to seek financial assistance under the Union govt’s Khelo India scheme to improve sports facilities for students on the campus. Project proposals will be prepared and submitted to the Centre for this purpose.The meeting entrusted a syndicate subcommittee with preparing a comprehensive policy document governing autonomous colleges affiliated with the university. The panel will hold discussions with the managements of autonomous colleges and study relevant regulations and rules of University Grants Commission (UGC), the state govt and the university before submitting its report.The syndicate also considered affiliation issues involving courses started by autonomous colleges during the current academic year without obtaining the university’s prior permission. It decided to resolve these issues through a one-time settlement.In connection with the alleged encroachment of university land by AKG Centre, the syndicate decided to file a counter-affidavit in the petition pending before the high court. It also resolved to complete the survey and demarcation of university land within a stipulated time.The meeting further decided to fill the posts of director of physical education and assistant director of physical education through appointments on deputation.The university will also seek the state govt’s permission to offer courses in 19 undergraduate and postgraduate subjects through the private-registration stream during the current academic year.
