The University Grants Commission (UGC) has granted 12-B status to Kumar Bhaskar Varma Sanskrit and Ancient Studies University.
Located at Namati in lower Assam’s Nalbari district, the university was set up by the government of Assam on May 24, 2011.
The Kumar Bhaskar Varma Sanskrit and Ancient Studies University had earlier sent a proposal to the UGC for granting 12-B status.
Subsequently, an expert panel from UGC visited the University on September 23 and 24, 2019 and made detailed inspection of various academic and physical infrastructure of the University.
The committee visited all the departments and had discussions with students, faculty members, office staff and the authority of the University.
Satisfied with the status of the University, the committee recommended granting of 12B status to the University under UGC Act, 1956.
Based on the recommendations of the committee, the UGC has granted the same status enabling the University being eligible to get Central assistance from UGC and HRD.
The UGC provides financial assistance to eligible colleges, which are included under Section 2(f) and declared fit to receive central assistance (UGC grant) under Section 12 (B) of UGC Act, 1956, according to approved pattern of assistance under various schemes.
This makes the colleges eligible for central assistance from the Centre or any organisation receiving funds from the Centre.
The committee also advised the university to get NAAC accreditation at the earliest.
Assam education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has lauded the move and said it will strengthen infrastructure and academic resource of the university.
“The decision by UGC to grant 12-B status to Kumar Bhaskar Varma Sanskrit and Ancient Studies University in #Nalbari is heartening. The univ is now eligible for central assistance; it shall help strengthen infra & academic resources, giving it much-needed support. @HRDMinistry,” Sarma tweeted on Wednesday.
The university currently has around 700 students and six full-fledged post-graduate departments, apart from the different courses.