Shivanand Hosamani VC RCU completing his tenure on Saturday

Rani Channamma University was established in the year 2010, by the Government of Karnataka by effecting an amendment to Karnataka State Universities’ Act 2000 by upgrading the erstwhile Karnatak University’s Kittur Rani Channamma Post Graduate Centre at Belagavi, which was functioning under the aegis of Karnatak University, Dharwad since 1982.

Prof. Shivanand B. Hosamani after assuming the charge as Vice-Chancellor, since 16.06.2015, had initiated the following activities with the cooperation of the  Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor,  Chief Minister, MPs, MLA’s & MLC’s and representatives of local bodies, Officials of Central and State government, Members of the Syndicate & Academic Council, Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff & Students for enhancing the quality in academics and upgrading the infrastructural facilities in the university.

Prof. Shivanand B. Hosamani,  Vice-Chancellor, RCU, Belagavi is completing his tenure on 15.06.2019 and following are the developmental initiatives undertaken by him.

The Land Acquisition & Developmental activities comprised of allotment of BUDA land measuring 6670 Sq. mts land at Ramtheerth Nagar, Kanaburgi to RCU, Belagavi at a cost of Rs.2.56 Crores at a concession of 75 % of original cost for the construction of girl’s hostel and examination centre.

At PG Centre, Vijayapura the construction of boys’ hostel at a cost of Rs.1.62 crores under SCP/TSP funds is in progress. However, concerted efforts are made to get 200 acres of land for P G center, Bagalkot. A mini Vidhan Soudha constructed in 2 acres land worth of Rs.18.00 crores has been transferred free of cost for New PG Centre at Jamakandi.

Lastly construction of 1^st and 2^nd floor building at Sangolli Rayanna College at a cost of Rs. 4.80 crores is in progress. In addition, it is also planned to construct a three-storied building at a cost of Rs. 9.80 crores.

It is a proud moment that, during his term, the Rani Channamma University has received grants from different sources. To name some of them; Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Study Chair (Rs. 5.78 crores, from Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, 2017), Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Study Chair (Rs.2.00 crores, Govt. of Karnataka, 2017) and Sangolli Rayanna Study Chair (Rs. 2.00 crores, 2017). The total research grants received by the University during 2017-18 from the Central & State governments accounted for Rs. 3.51 crores.

The University has entered into Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with several organisations to build proper and sustainable capacity for both the organisations and to conduct programmes on academic, research and other educational-related matters. In this context, MoU’s were made with Academy of Comparative Philosophy and Religion, Belagavi, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Centre for Multi-Disciplinary Development Research (CMDR), Dharwad, SKE Society GSS, College, Belagavi, Dharwad Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (DIMHANS), Dharwad, Rai Technology University, Bengaluru. Efforts are made with Florida International University, Miami, Florida, United States of America, Salford University and Bolton University (UK) to have exchange programmes.

The University is offering scholarships to all the regular SC/ST Research Scholars, EBL, project expenses, study tours & free laptops. However, to help meritorious and economically backward students a new programme ‘Earn While You Learn’ will be introduced. For the first time in the University, NET/SET coaching classes have been conducted resulting upon, several students cleared the NET & SLET exams.

With an awareness of the University to form an integral part in social transformation, there was a need to establish vital link between the University and the Society. In this context, a unique programme, ‘Abhinandanostsava’ was organised wherein, around 22 achievers in various fields of Belagavi, Vijayapura and Bagalkot districts were identified and felicitated by the University with a Citation and a Memento.

It is a pride moment that, some of the teachers were selected as Members of UGC Expert Committee, New Delhi. I am glad to mention that, the teachers of the University especially Physics & Chemistry departments together have received research grants worth of 1.50 crores and are having patents to their credit. UGC has sanctioned for the first time Rs. 2.00 crores for the development of laboratories due to the concerted efforts made by the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor.

The financial position of the University is sound and thanks to Central & State governments for the grants provided for the holistic development of the University.

The  Vice-Chancellor had made efforts to equip the library with more e-resources. The AAA report was also prepared to enable the University to go for NAAC accreditation.

Thus, though Rani Channamma University is a young university with scant resources, no stone has been left upturned to make its ambiance loaded with meaningful activities all throughout the year, nourishing the dream and honing the skills of lakhs of learners.