PHASE-I INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT (REPORT)

MOTHER TERESA WOMEN’S UNIVERSITY, KODAIKANAL

PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT OF THE NEW INFRASTRUCTURE / UPGRADATION UNDER RUSA 1.0.

Mother Teresa Women’s University (MTWU), the only Women’s University of Tamil Nadu State Government established in the year 1984 by the enactment of Tamil Nadu Act 15. This University Accredited by NAAC with "A" grade and aims to extend its service to women students of all communities with the lofty vision of “Empowering Women through Education”. The University plays a catalytic role in women empowerment and building inclusive society. 

The creation of new infrastructure and the upgradation of facilities at Mother Teresa Women’s University have received 20 crores and had a transformative impact on women’s education by providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering academic environment exclusively designed to meet the needs of women students. The newly constructed and modernized buildings have significantly enhanced teaching–learning experiences by offering well-equipped classrooms, upgraded computer and science department laboratories, multipurpose halls and improved library facilities, support student projects, research, and innovation-based learning enabling women learners to achieve higher academic performance, skill development, and research competence. The facilities provide a conducive environment for student learning and support the smooth conduct of academic schedules.

The improved infrastructure has strengthened campus safety and well-being, which is of paramount importance in a women-centric institution. Facilities such as construction of the compound wall plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of university students residing at the hill station Kodaikanal campus. It effectively protects students, staff, and campus property from the intrusion of animals commonly found in the surrounding forest and hilly regions. The compound wall acts as a physical barrier, preventing accidental entry of animals into academic, residential, and hostel areas, thereby reducing the risk of human–animal conflict. Well-planned internal roads facilitate smooth movement within the campus, supporting efficient transportation and emergency access. Accessible pathways are used to ensure barrier-free movement for persons with disabilities, elderly staff, and visitors, promoting inclusivity and equal access to campus facilities. The availability of comfortable hostel accommodating 250 students are utilized to provide safe, comfortable, and affordable accommodation, has particularly benefited students from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds and secure residential ecosystem that supports uninterrupted education. Construction of two hygienic toilet blocks are regularly used and maintained to promote health, sanitation, and dignity, especially for women students.

The equipment purchased for the university is effectively utilized to support academic, research, administrative, and student development activities. Academic equipment such as laboratory instruments, teaching aids, computers, and smart classroom devices are used regularly for teaching–learning processes, practical sessions, experiments, project work, and research activities across various departments. Technical and ICT equipment supports e-learning, digital content delivery, online examinations, virtual meetings, and academic administration. Research equipment is utilized for faculty research projects, student dissertations, innovation activities, and interdisciplinary research initiatives. Administrative and support equipment enhances office efficiency, record management, communication, and overall institutional functioning.

Hostel furniture such as Geyser and bunker cots were used to provide comfortable and conducive residential environment for our students who reside at hilly region, supporting their daily living and academic activities. Library furniture including reading tables, chairs, bookshelves, and display racks is utilized to facilitate organized storage of learning resources and comfortable reading and research spaces for students and faculty members. It supports extended study hours, group learning, and research-based academic activities. Similarly the furniture in the computer laboratory, such as computer tables and chairs is used to ensure safe cable management, and comfortable usage during practical sessions, programming work, online learning, and digital skill development.

The expansion of administrative and operational spaces has improved institutional efficiency and governance, enabling timely academic and student support services. Modern administrative buildings and streamlined workflows have enhanced service delivery, grievance redressal, and coordination, thereby contributing to a student-friendly and responsive institutional framework.

Sustainable infrastructure initiatives, including rainwater harvesting, increased green spaces, and environmentally responsible construction practices, have fostered a healthy and eco-conscious campus culture. These initiatives not only improve the physical environment but also inculcate environmental awareness and social responsibility among women students.

Overall, the new infrastructure and upgraded facilities have strengthened Mother Teresa Women’s University’s role as a women-empowering institution, supporting access, equity, safety, and excellence in higher education. The infrastructure development under RUSA 1.0 has contributed significantly to creating an enabling ecosystem that promotes women’s academic advancement, leadership development, research participation, and holistic growth, in alignment with national priorities for women-centric and inclusive higher education.