University of Gujarat gets Grant of Rs.1.88 Crore

A grant of Rs 1.88 crore has been sanctioned for the centre of security studies for the academic year 2016-17 by the University Grants Commission.

As the Central University of Gujarat (CUG) has been shortlisted as one of the ten universities across the country to set up a ‘security studies centre’ will now offer several courses under this new initiative by the Central government.

The ‘Centre for Security Studies’ will offer nearly 20 seats from the academic year 2016-17 to both serving and retired security agencies which will include: Defence as well as open to public.

Initially, the courses planned to be offered will be:

• Internal and terrorism security
• Maritime security
• Cyber security

The courses offered would be post-graduate and advanced research courses, including MPhil or PhD.

The Dean of School of International Studies Dr Sanjay K Jha heading this project revealed, “An expert committee from academicians and practitioners from across the country has been formed for chalking out the action plan. Based on its report, final framework of course structure and faculty would be developed and submitted to the UGC. Possibilities are also being explored of creating an active inter-phase between the university and government security agencies, including defence, police and maritime, that could offer academic support to them.”

The proposal to open such a centre was submitted by the CUG which got an approval by the government. “Since we already have a department under School of International Studies, the in principle proposal was accepted by the government of India. As per the guidelines framed, this centre will not be restricted to defence or police personnel but also allow candidates from non-defence background as well,” said the CUG Vice-Chancellor Prof S A Bari.

“The three courses have been finalised taking into account their relevance in context with geography and current need. For instance, Gujarat state having the largest coastline and maritime security can provide both experts and expertise. Also, the cyber security is emerging as one of the most important areas to be focussed upon,” said Prof Bari.

Talking about faculty members, the V-C revealed that the university is in touch with defence studies experts in the state seeking academic support. “Out of seven sanctioned posts, CUG has four faculty members. Talks with security studies experts are also in the process for both visiting and regular faculty,” he said.