Mangalore: The Mangalore University established by M.V.Moily when he was Education minister two decades ago in Konaje, has decided to introduce Tulu certificate Courses, diploma and degree courses(Graduate diploma) in colleges attached to it.

An Academic Council meet decided on this matter to encourage Tulu as a local Dravidian language with literature and folklore to sustain. The courses would start from 2012-13, it was agreed on Thursday, September 29. The affiliated colleges have shown keen interest in such courses.

The vice-chancellor, Dr. Murthy told the council that experts had prepared the course syllabuses already. A sum of Rs1.45 crore has been earmarked as special grants for SC/ST students by the state, to the MU after a 30 years gap.

The University has released Rs50 lakhs under SC schemes and Rs22.5 lakhs for ST students out of this fund.

22 colleges were approved for affiliation as per norms, while one Government College was rejected, said the Vice Chancellor. 40 private colleges and 12 Government colleges renewed their affiliation this year.

The Vice Chancellor added that Rs50 lakhs were granted for a chair on Ambigara Chowdiah. The Governor has to order this chair to function immediately. The MU received about Rs20crore to take up65 research works, Dr. Murthy informed.