University prepares for anniversary

T The preparation of Kazan State University to its anniversary lags behind the schedule. How to make up for the lost time, what to reconstruct first of all - these and other questions were considered on May 28 at the session of the Committee for 200 anniversary of the university presided by Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev.

The republican program "Development of Kazan State University for the period up to 2005" includes restoration of 14 university monuments of history and architecture such as its main building, astronomical laboratory, chemical faculty and construction of six absolutely new buildings. Most of these works are to be completed by 2004, the anniversary of the university, and all works - by 2005, Kazan millenium.

The basic problem is insufficient financing. Realization of the program requires the total of 2 billion 635 million rubles. At present only 2% of the program is financed. The President of the republic emphasized the priorities among the huge list of actions: first, to put things in order in the main building and adjoining territories; second, to reconstruct the chemical faculty, and third, to up-grade the university high buildings. It is also necessary to carry out other actions stipulated by the program.