Rama Devi Women’s University Second Campus Fate Hangs In Balance

Bhubaneswar: Inordinate delay in finalisation of a suitable site for establishment of the second campus of Rama Devi Women’s University in Bhubaneswar has rendered uncertainty to the fate of the project.

Despite passage of five years since Rama Devi College got the varsity status, the land for the second campus has not been finalised, much to the distress of the students. The varsity is presently functioning from its old campus in Bhubaneswar.

According to sources, the Odisha government had proposed a second campus in 2015. The State government had earmarked 30 acre land for the second campus of the university at Gothapatna on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. However, the land could not be finalised due to some issues.

The delay in the establishment of the second campus has severely affected the infrastructure development and research works of the varsity. Besides, the students of the varsity are also reportedly facing shortage of classrooms.

Padmaja Mishra, vice-chancellor of the varsity, has admitted that the delay in establishment of the second campus is affecting the students.

“The space available in the present campus is not adequate and further expansion is not possible. As a suitable land has not yet been identified in nearby areas, we have requested the government to consider the land at Gothapatna for the second campus,” she said.

Students of RD Women’s University have raised questions over the delay in the setting up of the second campus.

“We are facing problems as Plus II, Plus III, PG and M-Phil students are crammed into old campus. If the second campus is set up at the earliest, it will solve our problems,” said a student, Sandhya Rani Mohanty.

“The second campus will facilitate extensive research, remove classroom shortage and help establishment of subject-wise departments,” said Bilipta Sahu, another student.

On the other hand, the work on second campuses of Gangadhar Meher and Khallikote Universities that got varsity status along with Rama Devi University has already begun.

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