DD College in Keonjhar upgraded into University, students’ hopeful of better facilities

Odisha Government has finally accorded University status to Dharanidhar Autonomous College, popularly called as DD College in the mineral-rich Keonjhar district.

A formal notification in this regard has been released by the Higher Education Department after Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik approved the proposal.

“In exercise of powers conferred by sub-section (1) and (2) of Section 32 of the Odisha University Act, 1989 (Odisha Act 5 of 1989), the State Government do hereby alter the territorial Jurisdiction of Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University, Baripada, Mayurbhanj by establishing a new University called the Dharanidhar University at Keonjhar, Odisha with effect from the date of notification in the Odisha Gazette,” a notification of the Higher Education Department read.

In a video, CM Naveen Patnaik said, "It is happy moment as Dharanidhar College is now converted into university."

"We are happy that our college has been upgraded into university. Earlier, we have to apprise the university officials to get our grievances redressed. Now we can hope of better facilities here," said Anjana Behera, a student.

Chitralekha, another student said, "We are really happy over the decision. We can now expect good infrastructure and facilities in our own university."

Earlier, the Odisha government had announced to upgrade the Vikram Deb Autonomous College, Jeypore in Koraput district to an affiliating university.

(Reported by Pranay Pani)