The state government has allotted land in Thiruvananthapuram for the establishment of a permanent capital of the Central University of Kerala (CUK).
The Ministry of Finance, through a Cabinet Order issued on March 15, approved the allotment of 2.83 hectares (around seven acres) of land at Andorkonam village in Thiruvananthapuram district for setting up the university’s main campus. The land will be leased to the University for 35 years at a nominal rate of ₹ 1 per annum, subject to conditions as per the Kerala Land Assignment Rules, 1964.
ČUK will have to start construction within six months of taking over the land. The government also stipulated that the land could not be transferred or used for purposes other than the approved project.
The center has been operating from a leased facility since 2014. The delay in allotment of land has hampered the development of the center which currently offers BA Honors in International Relations and attracts several students from different parts of the country and abroad.
Over the years, the state government explored several locations, including Kudappanakunnu, Vithura, Azhoor and Vattappara, to set up the campus, but the proposals failed to materialise.
University authorities said the permanent campus in Thiruvananthapuram would enable the institution to expand its academic offerings and introduce new programs for students.
ČUK Vice-Chancellor Siddu P. Algur said that the proposed campus will significantly strengthen the academic and research activities of the center of the capital city.
“As the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram is expected to attract more international and interstate students. New academic programs will be introduced in line with emerging global and national opportunities. The presence of several higher education and research institutions in the city will further facilitate academic collaboration and joint research initiatives,” he said while promising steps to start construction of a modern campus as soon as possible.
Published – 17 March 2026 20:38 IST
