Thiruvananthapuram, 18 August (H.S.): The Keralam government has sanctioned Rs 45.68 crore to strengthen infrastructure, academic facilities and research capabilities at government colleges across the state, Higher Education Minister Rojy M. John said.

The allocation, totalling Rs 45,68,11,037, will be used to improve physical infrastructure, human resources and information technology systems. It will also support the construction of academic blocks, administrative centres, libraries, hostels and other facilities at several institutions.

The largest allocation of Rs 13.48 crore has been made to Kesari Government Arts and Science College at Paravur in Ernakulam district for the construction of a new administrative centre.

Maharaja's College in Ernakulam will receive Rs 5.60 crore for hostel and mess buildings, while Government College, Kariavattom, has been allotted Rs 4.81 crore for a new library and research block.

An amount of Rs 2.42 crore has been sanctioned for infrastructure development at Government Brennen College of Teacher Education. Government College, Munnar, will receive Rs 1.98 crore for the construction of a compound wall.

The government has also allocated Rs 1.34 crore for a new arts block at Madappally Government College in Vadakara. Government Arts and Science College, Karunagappally, will get Rs 1.29 crore for an academic block and compound wall.

Other allocations include Rs 1.27 crore for K.K.T.M. Government College, Rs 99.68 lakh for E.K.N.M. Government College, Elerithattu, and Rs 98.35 lakh for Government Arts and Science College, Tholanur.

The minister said the funding was intended to create a better learning environment, expand research opportunities and improve the quality of higher education in the government college sector. The remaining amount will support similar development works at other government colleges covered by the order. Officials said the projects would be implemented in accordance with approved plans, rules and the institutions' identified infrastructure requirements.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman