Mangalore : K. Byrappa, Mangalore University Vice-Chancellor  on Thursday said the university plans to provide smart cards to all students and also establish a data bank of blood donors from next year.

He was speaking after inaugurating a blood donation camp organised by Mangalore University Blood Donors’ Group of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism on the university campus.

He said the smart card would contain all the details of a student including blood group and attendance to classes.

The data bank of blood donors would be available in the administrative office as well as all departments, Prof. Byrappa said. Stating that blood donation was the noblest service, the Vice-Chancellor said the university would always encourage such activities.

Group’s coordinator G.P. Shivaram said the intention was to supply fresh blood to the needy round the year. The group has a list of registered students and employees who would offer blood whenever there is a requirement. About 80 students donated blood during the camp on Thursday.