The University Grants Commission has accorded 12-B status to Avinashilingam University for Women. The status will enable the varsity to obtain various grants, apply for international collaboration programmes and start innovative programmes with the support of UGC, the University Chancellor, P R Krishnakumar told.

A five-member UGC expert committee team had visited the University in December last for inclusion of the institution under section 12(B) of the UGC Act 1956, and submitted a report, based on which the status was accorded, he said.

What does Section 12(B) mean for a college or varsity? This makes the colleges eligible for central assistance from the Government of India or any organization receiving funds from the Central Government.

The University was also recently re-accredited with 'A' Grade by NAAC, Krishna Kumar added. This is a real turnaround for the institution after all the protests and chaos that led to it's temporary closure in 2015 — with staff and students holding agitations and a call for the government to intervene and take charge.