CUSAT to become a paperless varsity

KOCHI: Cochin University of Science and Technology will become a paperless university by utilising the advantages of information and communication technology in governance.The Green Budget proposal, presented by the convener of the standing committee on finance and executive director of the IT@ School project K Anvar Sadath envisages an integrated approach to rainwater harvesting and groundwater discharge on the campus.The Green Budget includes alternative energy models and power audit, building greenery on the campus and adopting a new approach in the construction of buildings and creating a conducive environment.Sadath said the approach for e-governance is a holistic integration that involves software-hardware deployment, process re-engineering and capacity building along with change management.The state government has already earmarked Rs 2 crore for the modernisation of the examination wing.The budget recommends a natural and scientific rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge to overcome acute shortage of drinking water on the campus.It has earmarked Rs 3.35 crore for the project while expecting financial support from the Union Government.Sadath said that they expect a minimum grant of Rs 2 crore this year from the Ministry of Non-Conventional and Renewable Energy for the programme and alternative energy programmes will be implemented on the campus with the help of the Centre for Alternative Energy Sources which was established last year.The proposed activities include using solar options and conducting power audits on the campus. University employees will be given specific ICT training by using Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and this will be completed within the current financial year in a campaign mode.