BESU finally gets transformed into IIEST

The long wait of Bengal Engineering Science University (BESU) is over, as it's all set to get transformed into India's first Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST). On Wednesday, Lok Sabha has passed the IIEST Bill in New Delhi. The Bill will now be sent to Rajya Sabha and finally to the President for his stamp of approval.

Ajay Ray, Vice-chancellor of BESU says "This is a historic day for BESU. We are indebted to the chief minister, education minister Bratya Basu and all MPs for their assistance."

BESU's graduation to the IIEST standard brings with it a host of facilities for students as well as faculty members. To begin with, the institution will increase the intake of students by 1000, over the next five years. In the B.Tech course, for example, the current intake will be doubled. The university will also begin some integrated courses. "Those enrolling in B.Tech courses will have to complete M.Tech before leaving the institution. It will be a 5 year integrated programme. No one can leave after completing the B.Tech course. Similarly, those enrolling for M.Tech will complete PhD," Ray stated.

The head of the institute will be known as the 'Director', once the BESU turns into IIEST. The institute will be marching on the path of IITs and will have a Senate and Board of Governors. The Senate will consist of faculty members and on the other side, while the Board will have representatives from the Ministry of Human Resource and the state government, and they will be accompanied by eminent educationalists and industrialists. The Board will be the highest administrative decision-making body.

"We will receive huge research grant. Financial assistance will be given to add more space to build new laboratories, auditoriums and residential apartments for faculty members. When the Expenditure Finance Committee was set up in 2010, BESU was estimated to receive Rs. 592 crore in five years. Now the amount will escalate, keeping in mind the current budget," says a university source.