Higher Education Minister R. Bindu said on Thursday (February 19, 2026) that steps will be taken to approve new courses at Kodiyeri Balakrishnan Smaraka Government College, Chokli, with special emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) based programmes.
Inaugurating the newly constructed academic block, women’s hostel and canteen at the college, the minister said the government had initiated innovative changes in higher education through infrastructure development and curriculum reforms. She added that priority will be given to advanced, technology-driven courses that will prepare students for emerging sectors.
The minister also released the title page of the book Kodiyeri Balakrishnan: A Life of Leadership and Commitment prepared by the history department of the college. Speaker AN Shamseer presided over the function.
The new facilities were completed at a cost of ₹ 11.20 crore. The three-storey academic block contains nine classrooms, three seminar halls and space for three departments. The building is equipped with barrier-free toilets, fire protection systems and a backup generator.
Designed to accommodate 60 female students, the women’s hostel aims to improve access to higher education for female students from remote areas. The two-story canteen has a capacity of 100 people at a time, sports rooms are set up on the first floor.
Kannur University syndicate member M. Sukumaran, Chokli gram panchayat president N. Anoop and Thalassery municipal district chairman Karayi Chandrasekharan were present at the event.
Published – 19 Feb 2026 19:31 IST