Kasaragod: The Central University of Kerala (CUK) is set to take another major stride in its infrastructure development with the foundation stone laying ceremony of a new academic block at its Periya Campus. The event will be graced by Shri. George Kurian, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and Minority Affairs, who will lay the foundation stone on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs has sanctioned Rs. 52.68 crore for the construction of the new building under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) scheme, marking a significant milestone in CUK’s ongoing journey of academic and infrastructural growth.

Announcing this at a press conference, Dr. R. Jayaprakash, Registrar (i/c), said that Prof. Siddu P. Algur, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of the University, will preside over the ceremony. The event will also be attended by Shri Rajmohan Unnithan, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Kasaragod, Shri C.H. Kunjambu, Hon’ble MLA, Uduma, Prof. Saji T.G., Dean, School of Business Studies, and other distinguished guests.

Members of the University Court, Executive Council, Academic Council, and Finance Committee, along with faculty, staff, students, and eminent personalities from political, social, and cultural spheres, will witness the occasion.

Four-storey Academic Block with Modern Facilities

The upcoming four-storey academic block, spanning 7,500 square metres, will house the Departments of Management Studies, Tourism Studies, and Commerce and International Business under the School of Business Studies. Designed in the traditional Kerala architectural style, the building will include 25 smart classrooms, departmental libraries, computer laboratories, faculty offices, and other state-of-the-art facilities. The building will feature a 50-kilowatt solar power plant, a rainwater harvesting tank with a capacity of one lakh litres, and a seminar hall capable of accommodating 500 participants.

This project represents the largest financial allocation received by the Central University of Kerala from any ministry other than the Ministry of Education. Earlier, the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs had extended crucial support for hostel infrastructure development - sanctioning Rs. 19.13 crore for the girls’ hostel and, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Rs. 22.26 crore for the boys’ hostel. These facilities were inaugurated in June 2023 by the then Minister of State for Minority Affairs, Shri John Barla.

Advancing Academic Excellence and Infrastructure Growth

Expressing gratitude to the Government of India, Dr. Jayaprakash acknowledged the consistent support extended by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Minority Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju, and Minister of State Shri George Kurian in the university’s developmental journey.

Today, the Periya Campus stands as a thriving hub of higher education with 12 academic blocks housing 25 departments, 10 hostels for boys and girls, a central library, a recently inaugurated Administrative Headquarters, a Health Centre, a Guest House, faculty and staff quarters, and a common dining complex.

Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, CUK has introduced three 4-year undergraduate programmes from the current academic year, with plans to launch more programmes in the coming years. The press conference was attended by Prof. Rajendra Pilankatta, Finance Officer (i/c), and Shri Sujith K., Public Relations Officer.