Sanskrit university Syndicate members flag concerns over revenue from KCA cricket stadium project

The Syndicate members of Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit who had raised concerns over the proposed cricket stadium project mooted by the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) on the main campus in Kalady, near here, have cited the lack of any revenue earnings for the university in return for providing free user rights on the land to the cricketing body for a period of 33 years, it is learnt.

These members had flagged their concerns at the Syndicate meeting that discussed the revised master plan of the proposal submitted by the KCA on December 19. They have urged the university authorities not to finalise the project proposal without addressing their concerns.

As per the initial estimates, around six acres would be required for the project. The KCA will have to meet the cost and expenses incurred towards developing cricket facilities, according to the draft agreement.

K. Unnikrishnan, Syndicate member and former Principal of Government Sanskrit College, Thiruvananthapuram, said that the university land holds premium real estate value in view of its proximity to the Kochi airport and other key destinations.

He said that the draft agreement lacked clarity on whether the university will receive a share of the revenue earned by the KCA through the utilisation of the stadium and its allied facilities, he said. Prof. Unnikrishnan said that the university could explore funding options available under central schemes like ‘Khelo India’ to enhance its sporting facilities as an alternative plan.

University clarifies

The university authorities stated that there was no transfer or sale of land to the KCA. The cricketing body will only have land use rights, according to an official release issued on December 27.

The KCA will develop/construct multi-sports facilities, including a football ground with an athletic track. It will also construct and hand over a sports hostel to the university, it said.