The Kunjali Marakkar School of Marine Engineering, Cochin University of Science and Technology, is gearing up for its fifth passing-out ceremony on Tuesday.
Surprisingly, not a single girl student has been part of the ceremony so far. This is the only School of Marine Engineering in the country run by a state-owned university, said director of the school K A Simon.
The school stands out from the rest of the departments of the varsity not only for its discipline and regimental schedule but also for the absence of girl students.
It complies by the guidelines of All-India Council of Technical Education and also Directorate-General of Shipping. Despite the 50 percent fee concession for girls, the fee being `8.5 lakh, none have come forward. The school, started on post-sharing basis had only 30 seats initially which was raised to 40. “Next year we plan to increase the seats to 80,” he said.
About 95 per cent of the students are studying on bank loans, said N G Nair, course coordinator.
At a time when the girls in the state have invaded almost all male bastion, Keralite girls seem to be reluctant to take up marine engineering. It may be because of the lack of awareness, say authorities.
Women from North India are into it, most them having completed their BTech from Tolani Maritime Institute, Pune.
“Women are coming to the field especially from North India, but girls in Kerala are reluctant. It may be because of the lack of awareness. One or two students approached us but their parents were worried whether it would mar their beauty,” said N G Nair.
The fully residential course includes physical training and experiences on a model of a ship set up on the campus. Admission is based on all-India Common Entrance and Test and only those aged up to 25 are eligible.
Almost 40 percent of the students have been recruited in global shipping companies such as Mediterranean Shipping Co and Oriental Express, he said. So far 80 per cent of the students have been placed.
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