New AI-focussed courses soon at Chokli govt. college: Minister

Higher Education Minister R. Bindu on Thursday (February 19, 2026) said steps would be taken to sanction new courses at the Kodiyeri Balakrishnan Smaraka Government College, Chokli, with special emphasis on programmes based on artificial intelligence (AI).

Inaugurating the newly constructed academic block, women’s hostel, and canteen at the college, the Minister said the government had ushered in innovative changes in higher education through infrastructure development and curriculum reforms. She added that advanced, technology-driven courses would be prioritised to equip students for the emerging sectors.

The Minister also released the cover page of the book Kodiyeri Balakrishnan: A Life of Leadership and Commitment, prepared by the History department at the college. Speaker A.N. Shamseer presided over the function.

The new facilities were completed at a cost of ₹11.20 crore. The three-storey academic block houses nine classrooms, three seminar halls, and space for three departments. The building is equipped with disabled-friendly toilets, fire safety systems, and generator backup.

The women’s hostel, designed to accommodate 60 students, aims to enhance access to higher education for female students from distant areas. The two-storey canteen has seating capacity for 100 persons at a time, and a sports rooms has been set up on the first floor.

Kannur University Syndicate member M. Sukumaran, Chokli gram panchayat president N. Anoop, and Thalassery municipal chairman Karayi Chandrasekharan were present at the event.