Mechanical engineering in sheds

BANGALORE: Two years have passed since University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE) requested the Higher Education ministry for a mechanical block, hostel block and a Visvesvaraya Centenary Block — all in the current UVCE campus.There has been no response for these demands, and UVCE is losing hope.“This is 100 year old institution.I am proud to call it one of the best in engineering in the country.The infrastructure, however, is crumbling and something has to be done about it quickly,” said Dr Venugopal K R, principal and dean, UVCE.Students of mechanical engineering still use sheds for practical work.A seven-storey mechanical block is one of the three demands proposed to the Higher Education ministry.“There is no response.I think that’s a clear enough indicator,” lamented Dr Venugopal. “There are vested interest playing here.Money seems to be the criterion.Even if I want to invest in infrastructure on my own, where are the funds? Everything goes to the university,” he said.Dr Venugopal, a student of UVCE himself, suggests three possible alternatives.“The fees collected should remain with UVCE for expenditure on infrastructure.Or, UVCE should be made autonomous.And lastly, UVCE should be put under Visvesraya Technological Institute (VTU),” he said.He further added that UVCE be made the central engineering college in the state, with colleges in Davangere and Belgaum.UVCE was established in the year 1917 under the name Government Engineering College by Sir M Visvesvaraya.After the formation of Bangalore University (BU) in 1964, UVCE became one of the constituent colleges of BU.“I am okay with UVCE coming under VTU.There are certain people who are against this, as the college is generating good fee revenue,” said Dr Venugopal.However, there is one thing Dr Venugopal is happy about.“This year, UVCE has started part-time (evening) course for B E - civil engineering at Jnana Bharati campus,” he said.UVCE had applied for permission to start three evening courses in civil engineering, computer science and electrical engineering.Only one course was given permission, as Civil Engineering was in demand.“Well, that is how it works.The officials felt there was a deficiency, and it was approved,” said Dr Venugopal