Star College Scheme

“Star College Scheme” has been initiated by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), New Delhi, to support colleges to improve science teaching and strengthen Life Sciences and Biotechnology education at the undergraduate level. The programme aims to improve the skills of teachers by organising faculty training, improved curriculum and emphasis on practical training to students by providing access to specialised infrastructure and laboratory equipment. Five Science Departments of Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed College For Women (Autonomous), Chennai, namely Physics, Chemistry, Plant Biology & Plant Biotechnology, Zoology and Biochemistry have received the Star college grants in the year 2015. The same was sanctioned on 16th October 2015 for a period of three years and had been extended for two years at the existing level after the review by the 2nd meeting of Task Force, held on 9th May 2018.

The progress report of the college under the Star College Scheme for five departments i.e. Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology and Biochemistry, was presented. Task Force members appreciated the progress of the college. The project like “Biodegradable Sanitary Napkin” was noteworthy specifically as it involved the undergraduate students and was noted as a great initiative. Adequate numbers of practicals have been introduced for each department and the Tissue culture of the endangered plant was also introduced for the students. The college has been conducting several workshops, institutional visits and lectures by scientists regularly and was constantly striving to upgrade their student quality by providing them hands-on training.

In view of the above, the Task Force recommended awarding the Star Status to the participating departments in the college with a one-time non-recurring grant of Rs. 15.00 lakhs (per dept) and a recurring grant of Rs. 5.00 lakhs per year per dept, the contingency of Rs 1.00 lakhs per year and Travel of Rs 2.00 lakhs per year for a period of three years”. Now, as per the above-mentioned details, the college has been upgraded to Star Status and the college and support will be extended for another 3 years i.e. from 15.10.2020 to 15.10.2023.