Muzaffarpur, Jan. 12: Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, plans to set up four directorates for as many courses from the 2012-2013 academic session.

The academic council of the university has stepped up the process to establish the directorates of pharmacy, yoga, physiotherapy and music and drama courses.

At present, the university does not offer these courses.

Directorates are autonomous bodies that work for the development of respective departments.

Pro-vice-chancellor (pro-VC) of the university Padmasha Jha said after discussions with vice-chancellor Bimal Prasad, she had decided to set up the four directorates.

The proposed directorates have been incorporated in the 2012-2013 budget. “Around Rs 90 crore would be spent on the project,” the pro-VC said, adding that the plan would be tabled in the senate for its nod during the January 16 meeting.

Jha said students would largely benefit once the directorates start functioning. “It would certainly be a milestone in the days to come. The blueprint of the directorates would be made on the model of those established in universities in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.”

On the other hand, the academic council of the university has expedited the process to complete the necessary formalities to bifurcate distance education from the university.

The council, headed by the VC, has discussed the modalities of bifurcating the distance education with the pro-VC, registrar A.P. Mishra, proctor A.K. Srivastava and other members.

Director of distance education Ganesh Kumar said the advisory body of the distance department had sought bifurcation from the university. The academic council of the university has approved it.

At present, the distance education department of the university is affiliated to the Distance Education Council (DEC) New Delhi. The Muzaffarpur-based varsity is only a controlling body.

Once implemented, the distance education department would conduct examinations and publish results on its own. Earlier, the university conducted examinations and published results.

The distance education department would strictly adhere to the DEC regulations following the bifurcation.