Thiruvalluvar University to be bifurcated to create a new varsity in Villupuram

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Wednesday informed the assembly that a university – headquartered in Villupuram -- would be created by bifurcating Vellore-based Thiruvalluvar University.
The new university would cover Villupuram, Kallakurichi and neighbouring districts. It would start functioning from this academic year, the CM said.
Katpadi MLA and DMK senior leader S Durai Murugan protested the state government’s decision and questioned the rationale behind bifurcating the Thiruvalluvar University situated in his constituency.
Thiruvalluvar University was created by the former chief minister M Karunanidhi. He said that the government’s decision had an ulterior motive.
“Instead of improving the infrastructure and introducing new courses in the university, the government is bifurcating it. It is not welcomed,” he said.
Refuting the charges, the CM said it was a long-pending demand of minister C Ve Shanmugam and the people in Villupuram. It would help the students in rural pockets in the northern districts, he added.
He defended the government’s decision saying that several universities were created after they were bifurcated from the existing universities.
Minister Shanmugam thanked the CM for the announcement.
PMK leader S Ramadoss tweeted welcoming the announcement.