Patna, March 14: For the past couple of decades, Patna Science College did not draw much attention. But things are looking up now. The institute can get a centre of excellence tag under the Japanese Grant Aid Programme.

The college had sent a proposal to the state human resource development (HRD) department for its upgrade last April. Now, it is with the Union HRD ministry, the last hurdle it has to overcome.

The Rs 127-crore project aims at developing the basic infrastructure of the college. It includes renovation of laboratory and developing facilities for research work.

Udar Jha, the principal in-charge of the college, told The Telegraph: “We had sent the proposal to the state’s HRD department. It has been forwarded to the Union HRD ministry for its nod.”

Professors of the institute are hopeful of the centre of excellence tag giving the college a facelift, as it will cater to the need of higher studies and research.

The tag will not only help the college restore its lost glory. It will promote higher studies and research work.

The centre of excellence tag would open the gates for postgraduate classes in the college. Despite a huge campus and separate buildings for different departments, only undergraduate courses are run at the college at present.

Besides, the tag would also help improve the student-teacher ratio. The international standard student-teacher ratio of 11:1 has been suggested.

The teachers will also gain if the college gets the tag. There are proposals of linking the promotion of teachers with their research activities.

There would be no limit to the number of professors, as is the case with the Indian Institutes of Technology. The authorities expressed hope the move would attract more qualified professors to the college.

The centre of excellence tag will improve the facilities at the library also. According to the proposal, there would be a trained librarian and a computer-aided library. It would be made conducive for studies for both students and teachers. It will have the latest books from all disciplines and subscribe to national as well as international journals and periodicals.

Photocopiers, Internet and other basic amenities will be also available on the campus if the college gets the coveted tag.

Professor Atul Aditya Pandey, a teacher of the geology department of Patna Science College, said: “If the college gets the centre of excellence tag it will be a big boost to the institution. Apart from quality professors, there would be more research-oriented activities. The centre of excellence tag will also encourage extra-curricular activities. There will be audio-visual arrangements (LCD projector) and air-conditioned classrooms in the college.”

Vikash Dubey, a student of Patna Science College, said: “We are pleased that the college has applied for the centre of excellence status as it will improve the facilities for both the students and the teachers.”