Genesis
• In 1948, CSIR-CLRI started functioning in Coral Merchant Street, George Town, Madras. Shri. B.M. Das was appointed Officer on special Duty on Sept.26, 1951 and the planning, construction and equipping of the institute commenced and CSIR-CLRI started functioning in its premises in 1952 when the construction of the Tannery Block was completed. Shri. B.M. Das was appointed as the first Director on Jan 15, 1953 when the new Campus was officially declared open.
• Though, the Leather Technology programme commenced in 1945, the A.C. Tech buildings were not ready yet and the classes for leather subjects were held in the Institute of Leather Technology (ILT) premises at Washermanpet, Madras. Mr. Seshachalam Choudhary who was the Principal of ILT was also the Honorary Head of Leather Technology, A.C. Tech. G.S.N. Murthi B.Sc (Tech.), (1947 – 49) says: “With the public transport system so sparse those days we used to trek the distance from the College to Saidapet where we catch a train to Fort. From Fort to Mint we travelled by tram and finally walked the last distance to reach ILT”.
• In 1950, A.C. Tech buildings were commissioned. The Department of Leather Technology moved from Washermanpet to Guindy in June 1951. On the death of Prof. Seshachalam Choudhary at this time, Mr. Siviah Choudhary, Principal of ILT was appointed to act in the vacancy in the position of the Head of Department of Leather Technology. Dr. A.L. Sundara Rao, Planning Officer, CSIR-CLRI helped in conducting the classes.
• The 1950 – 52 batch was the first batch to have practical training in the freshly commissioned tannery building of CSIR-CLRI in 1952. By now, University of Madras decided to site the Department of Leather Technology at CSIR-CLRI. Indeed another far-sighted step. This results in a successful three way partnership of academy-research-industry developing into a good role model for engineering education in a specialized sector like leather.
• Ph.D Programme: The Ph.D programmes too commenced early in the Fifties itself. It is indeed a meritorious feat that the first Ph.D in Leather Technology (Dr. E.C. Mathews) came in 1955 itself. Till the introduction of M.Sc (Tech) by research programme, B.Sc (Tech) graduates were allowed to register for Ph.D programme straightaway. So far 32 Ph.D degrees in Leather Technology have been awarded by University of Madras and Anna University. Dr. M.S. Olivannan’s Ph.D thesis of 1972 was abjudged as the best one to receive the Chancellor’s Gold Medal that year, by the University of Madras.
• M.Sc (Tech) by research programmes: M.Sc (Tech) by research programmes too commenced after 1955. During 1956 – 65, 20 M.Sc (Tech) by research degrees were awarded.
• 4 year B.Sc (Tech) programme: 4 year B.Sc (Tech) programmes were introduced in 1957 after one year pre-professional programme in the college which itself was after Pre-University course. The 1961-65 was the last B.Sc (Tech) (4 year) batch.
• 5 year Integrated B.Tech Programme: Then commenced in 1961, 5 year Integrated B.Tech programme which was offered after one year Pre-University course.
• M.Tech (Leather Tech.) programme: M.Tech (Leather Tech.) programme (2 years duration) commenced in 1963.
• 4 year B.Tech Degree Programme: On 4th Sept. 1978, Anna University was established. A.C. Tech becomes part of Anna Univ. In 1980, due to academic reforms, 4 year B.Tech Degree programme was introduced replacing the 5 year Integrated programme with the result two batches of leather technologists passed out in the year 1984.
• M.Tech programme: Based on Nayudamma Committee report, another major change in P.G. education in professional courses take place. From 1983, M.Tech (3 semesters) programme in Leather Technology commences. The M.Tech had become a 4 semester programme since 2002 onwards. The entry level for these programmes had been Graduate Degree in Leather Technology. Now for the academic year 2013-2014 onwards it is proposed to allow graduates from MSc (Chemistry/Environmental Science), B.Tech (Leather/ Biotech / Chem. Engg) to apply for M.Tech in Leather Technology
• P.G. Programmes in Footwear Science & Engineering: Due to the initiatives of the Dept., P.G. Programmes - 3 semester M.Tech Programme and 2 semester P.G. Diploma programme in Footwear Science & Engineering were introduced by the University in 1987. After 5 batches, P.G. Diploma programme was discontinued. The entry level for the M.Tech programme in Footwear Science & Engineering had been Graduate Degree in Leather Technology or Mechanical Engineering. In addition, from the academic year 2013-2014 onwards it also open for the gradutaes of Production and Industrial Engineering.
• M.S (by research) programmes: M.S (by research) programme in Leather Technology Commenced in 1997. The programme is equivalent to M.Tech degree but the curriculum consists of about 50% of the course content of M.Tech programme with the entire duration of studies devoted to research in leather science & technology with research methodology and thesis evaluation by two external examiners and (public) viva voice examination built into the system. The minimum duration of the M.S. programme ie. 3 semesters in the introductory years get extended to 4 semesters since 2002.
• B.Tech (Part Time) Degree programme: Year 2000 witnessed the launching of 7 semesters B.Tech (Part Time) Degree programme in Leather Technology. This met the demand of the aspiring technicians in the industry with Diploma qualifications in Leather Technology. The courses are run in the evenings. (6.15 pm to 9.30 pm).