The Hindu Business Line : Minister wants research at university level enhanced

THE Union Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Culture, Mr S. Jaipal Reddy, has called for efforts to encourage research on university campuses.

Regretting that research is being confined to specialised research institutions, neglecting this area at universities, he said universities were "catchment areas" where potential talent existed.

He was addressing a gathering at the University of Hyderabad after releasing the book Marketing Services, edited by Prof. V. Venkata Ramana, here on Friday.

The Minister asked the students to specialise in a particular subject. "One can diversify at a later stage," he added.

Generalisation in education would contribute nothing, recollecting his own experience in this regard.

"I was more of an activist. When I look back, I feel that I should have given more focus on academics," he said.

Stating that social sciences depended on natural sciences in the modern age. "Social sciences are like software and natural sciences hardware," he said, pointing out that a right mix of both was needed.

Referring to the university's appeal for granting permission to FM radio station, the Minister said permission would be given soon.

Dr Kota Harinarayana, Vice-Chancellor, said the spending on research grew by three times in four years. "We spent Rs 21 crore in 2000-01, Rs 35 crore in 2003-04 and this year we expect to close at Rs 60 crore," he said. All the resources were from external sources.

Mr M. Gopalakrishna, Chairman of AP State Financial Corporation (APSFC), said deeper studies were needed to strengthen and expand the scope of the service sector.

"Customer looks at parameters like timely delivery, standards and the service component," he said.

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