BITSPILANI 2 LAST

"Our collaboration with the varsity in Israel is on "Our collaboration with the varsity in Israel is ondesert development research area and Pilani being a desertarea we think this partnership is significant," Sarkar said. The director, however, said, "BITS has been signing MoUsforever but they are not really working MoUs as such, somebodyvisiting as part of it….If we look into signed MoUs it maybe 100 or close to that, but now we are targeting a fewuniversities and develop a very close relationship." On campus infrastructure upgrade, he further said, we arerenovating faculty housing facilities built 60-70 years ago.Besides, the old mess for Ram and Buddha Hostels has beendemolished and a new one is coming up." "Also, PhD hostels for candidates who are married arecoming up as we are targeting more PhD students," he said. The director said, while for PhD programme, the collegeis continuously redefining it and reaching the target, but formasters degree programme, only 280 students are enrolledagainst the target of 350 for want of quality students. BITS-Pilani Vice Chancellor Souvik Bhattacharyyaa, whiledescribing the institute as capable of standing on its ownfeet, said, it would appreciate a little more "proactive" helpfrom the government. "We are not expecting a block grant, but I say it withhumility, we need more help from the nation. Maybe in form ofa centre of excellence or some fellowships. We have done wellin last 10 years and going to do better, but can thegovernment not contribute to this growth, especially inresearch and development areas," he said. The Pilani campus in Jhunjhunu district is spread over320 acres. It also has a Technology Business Incubator (TBI)which was set up almost a decade ago to support buddingentrepreneurs on the campus. It has also set up a Centre for EntrepreneurialLeadership for entrepreneurship development. PTI KND SKAAR