Periyar Maniammai University

This university has introduced a unique non-academic education cum employment scheme. This is specially meant for rural population in India. This scheme is like the community college scheme in the USA.

Teaching and training will be given to the rural youth in such subjects so as to enable them employable in medical, agricultrual, engineering and other related technical fields.

Those who finish a two-year course will be awarded a degree.

About 215 students have been enrolled under this non-academic scheme instituted in Periyar Maniammai University.

With the commitment of leading industrialists for providing employment, students from 5th standard to degree education have been enrolled in such fields as welding, electrician, hospital work etc.,

The inaugural function of the scheme took place on Dec 7, 2007. Dr. V.K.N. Kannappan B.E., a well-known industrialist and philanthropist in Tiruchirappalli explained the need for such a programme when he participated in the inaugural function. He is also the pro-chancellor of the Periyar Maniammai University. He pointed out that training in practical skills was essential to properly equip the job-seekers and to develop India.

Mr K. Premanathan, President of CII, Trichy, was happy to have such an educational programme which would bring together the youth, educational institutions and industries (manufacutring units) as one unit where the students will be employed after the training by the respective sponsoring industrial houses.

Mr. B.Pattabiraman, President of Indian welders federation, Trichy, was very optimistic of the employment potential of the duly trained candidates. With guaranteed employment opportunities, the enrollment of employable youth should encourage others to participate in this scheme.

Mr. K.G.Muralitharan, President, BHEL Small Scale Industries Corporation was very enthusiastic about the launching of this scheme. About 140 Small Scale Industries will participate and guarantee employment to the trainees.

Dr. S. Narendran, a leading surgeon for many years and participant in private health care system emphasised the need for quality training for paramedical trainees for the flourishing clinics and hospitals coming up all over.

Dr. M. Mohandass, President Indian Medical Association and Kovai Rajamahendran, Secretary, Red Cross, Thanjavur, spoke on the various uses of medically trained youth.

Hon’ble Veerapandi Arumugam, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Minister went round the university campus. He said he was inpressed with the development of various rural based holistic schemes. He said the government would extend all possible cooperation for the schemes that will help the rural population which constitute the majority of India.

The Chancellor Dr. K. Veeramani gave details about the participation of varying age groups of both sexes and the educational background of the participants. This scheme is an example of education for social transformation, that is Periyar’s motto.

Vice-Chancellor Dr. Nal.Ramachandran appreciated the cooperation from the various industrial houses and entrepreneurs, and the staff of PMU in evolving this unique scheme. PMU will function as people’s university and establish milestones, he assured.

Dr. Sami. Subramaniam, Director, Rural Development Centre, and Prof. E.V.R. Rajendran, Director, Industrial Institutes Cooperative Centre were instrumental in bring this scheme and arranging the function.

All are welcome to participate in this scheme that offers multitude of training programmes to enable the industries to have a pool of rural youths with quality training.

Please see: www.pmu.edu

And contact

Dr. Sami. Subramanian, Director,
Centre for Rural Development

crd@pmu.edu and Director, cuii@pmu.edu

Fax: 04362-264660, Phone: 04362-264600