Notably, in the rankings of the NAAC released in May 2023, Utkal University's grade had fallen from A+ to A.
The Director of the NAAC, in a letter to the Vice Chancellor of the university has confirmed, “Your institution has been Accredited with a CGPA of 3.26 on a seven-point scale at A+ Grade valid for a period of 5 years from 01-05-2023.”
The NAAC further clarified that the Standing Committee constituted by the Executive Committee to examine the peer team reports and declare the accreditation results has approved the outcome of the Assessment and Accreditation (A&A) exercise of the university.
The original certificate of accreditation will be dispatched to the university later.
The grade and CGPA announced by NAAC in May had triggered widespread criticism. The university had earlier appealed to the NAAC for re-evaluation.
Soumya, a PG first year student said, “Our classes have started from August 21 but hostel has not been allotted to us. We had informed this to the authorities. But no step was taken. Therefore, over 200 students including first year and second year students met the PG Council Chairman and Superintendent today and they have assured that the first year students will be allotted hostel rooms in next two to three days. The authorities have also assured us that soon some arrangements will be made to ensure that second year students get single rooms.”
The agitating students said they will discuss other issues like drinking water and other facilities at hostels with the concerned superintendent.
“We feel that it is completely administrative issue as a lot of students from far-off places come to the university only to wait outside with their luggage. Some hostels are closed due to lack of renovation work. In small rooms, the students are adjusting,” Soumya added.
Gyana Prakash Nayak, a PG second year student said, “Utkal University is one of the premier educational institutes in the state. In my first year, I had struggled a lot to get proper accommodation. The same thing is happening with the first year students now as 5 to 6 students are adjusting in single rooms. Such things are hampering our studies.”
No other public university from Odisha has been featured in the top 100 university list released by the education ministry. Similarly, not a single college from the state found a place in the top 100 college list.
The decline in the rank has triggered concern among the educationists in the State. Speaking on the NIRF ranking, educationist and former Director of NIT Rourkela Sunil Kumar Sarangi said, "The ranking varies every year, but we cannot term it degrading. We can say there is no visible improvement. We will be happy if there will be a noteworthy improvement in the ranking."
"However, I will say that due importance is not being given to education in Odisha. Most of the IITs in the country are doing well. If the methodology of IITs is fetching good results, what is the harm in adopting the methodology? Why the Odisha government is not adopting that?"
Sarangi further stated that the claims that the expenditure in IITs is better are not true. Bad administration ruins institute, he added.
"If the government set the objective to improve the ranking next year, it can be achieved definitely. However, no one is interested in it. There must be some vested interest not to look into the matter," Sarangi concluded.
Earlier, the premier State-run university was dropped from A+ to A in the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) grading. The varsity scored 3.16 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) in the assessment to secure A grade.
The varsity was last accredited as A+ in an assessment by NAAC in 2016.
Coming to the NIRF ranking, the Ministry of Education released the ranking for the year 2023 on Monday. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has been declared the best educational institute under the overall category.
Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore got second position and Indian Institute of Technology, IIT-Delhi, was awarded third position in the same category.
All India Institute of Medical Science, AIIMS New Delhi was awarded the 5th position and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi got the 10th position in the overall category.
In the category of top ten Universities in the country, IISc, Bangalore is in First position and JNU in second position. Jamia Millia Islamia got 3rd position, Banaras Hindu University 5th position and Aligarh Muslim University bagged 9th position in this category.
The University of Hyderabad is also in 10th position in the same category. The Ministry announced ranking for several categories including Overall, Top ten Universities, Engineering, Pharmacy and Management.
The deceased has been identified as Kalia, an auto-rickshaw driver who was living with his family members on the campus.
According to a source, like any other day, he went to sleep after dinner on Wednesday night. He was in his room till 12 am. Then all the members also went to sleep. On Thursday morning, they couldn’t find him in his room. They launched a frantic search for him.
Meanwhile, two Vani Vihar staff spotted a body hanging from a tree behind the Jagannath temple located on the campus. Later, the body was identified as that of Kalia and then his family members were intimated and the police were alerted.
The police reached the spot, recovered the body and sent it to the Capital Hospital for post-mortem.
While the police are yet to ascertain whether it is a case of suicide or murder, cut marks on the deceased’s hand and body have raised suspicion.
Registering a case, the police have launched a probe from both suicide and murder angles.
Resentment is brewing among Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) cadres as Commissionerate Police allegedly assaulted a student and forcibly picked up two of its members late on Sunday.
It is alleged that Subrat Biswal, a second year student of Women’s Studies was brutally beaten up by Saheed Nagar Police. It is also alleged that Biswal had opposed the Police while the personnel tried to pick two AVBP cadres- Manas Sahu and Sanjay Mahalik- from the campus.
Earlier on Sunday, unrest prevailed at Utkal University campus after some students allegedly opposed a professor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) apart from hurling abuses and attacking a professor of the varsity here and the convener of Citizen Forum. While two persons suffered injuries in the attack, two separate complaints from both sides were registered at Saheed Nagar police station.
Trouble erupted after JNU professor Surajit Majumdar was delivering his speech. Some students stood up and started opposing him.
“We had no information regarding the seminar. Students were forcibly called to attend the seminar by the authorities. The guests made some statements which were anti-national and it was opposed by some students and others,” said a student.
"First we had lodged a complaint, but they targeted our AVBP members and students on the instructions of the ruling BJD," he added.
Another student said, “Everybody has a right to express his/her views. But it is unfortunate the way the educational campus was used to spread propaganda. We want to ask who gave permission to hold the seminar.”
Two separate FIRs were lodged, but Commissionerate Police acted in a biased manner, alleged AVBP members.
Senior journalist, Akhaya Sahu said, “JNU professors are known for their stand on various issues. It is told that prior permission was given regarding the seminar at Vani Vihar. Had the police taken appropriate action, such an incident could have been avoided.”
(Reported by Niranjan Reddy)
According to reports, some students along with former students allegedly opposed Surajit Majumdar, a professor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) who was also the chief guest, during the seminar organised by Citizen Forum on ‘Indian Constitution and Education’.
When Majumdar delivered his speech, some students stood up and started opposing him. Moreover, the students hurled abuses and attacked a professor of the varsity and the convener of Citizen Forum.
Soon, the situation went out of control and the angry students had a verbal duel with convener of Citizen Forum Pradeepta Nayak and lecturer Surendra Jena.
While two persons suffered injuries in the attack, two separate complaints from both sides have been registered at Saheed Nagar police station.
(Reported by Niranjan Reddy, OTV)
The deceased has been identified as Bichitra Palei, a native of Gadakana on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.
According to sources, a few youths including a lady reportedly kidnapped Palei in a car. In a bid to save himself, he jumped off the moving vehicle near Utkal University near Vani Vihar Square. Later, the kidnappers tried to chase him and put him back in the car.
However, locals present at the spot came to his rescue and overpowered two of the kidnappers. They were later taken to the Saheed Nagar police station nearby.
Police swung into action and admitted Palei to the Capital Hospital after his condition worsened due to the injuries he suffered after his jump from the moving vehicle. However, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
The preliminary probe revealed the kidnapping was because of money lending. The deceased has reportedly taken a loan from one of the accused and had delayed the repayment following which the accused kidnapped him.
However, it is yet to be ascertained where the abductors were taking Palei after the kidnap. Meanwhile, cops have detained the two kidnappers for further probe.
(Reported by Alok Mohanty, OTV)
The duration of the certificate course will be three months and it aims at enabling the primary knowledge about the language studies.
The applicant must be a graduate to apply for this course. Admission to the courses will be made based on an Entrance test comprising General Awareness, Language Aptitude and Quantitative Aptitude, and a Personal Interview before the Admission Committee. For the batch, total strength is 40.
A final course completion certificate will be provided to the eligible candidate based on the performances.
The entrance test will be held on the 3rd week of February (Date, time and venue will be intimated in the Utkal University / International Office portal) and the personal interview will be on same day at the venue of the entrance test, Utkal University.
The last date for submission of application form is February 20, 2023 and the application form can be submitted to the International Office, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar or scan copy of application can be sent through the mail Id of International office.
It was an exceptional occasion to reinforce the bonds and share their memories, experiences and accomplishments.
Presided over by Alumni Association President and former Chief Secretary Bijay Kumar Patnaik, the occasion was graced by former minister Prasad Kumar Harichandan, Dr. Arun Sahu, Utkal University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sabita Acharya, professor Durgashankar Patnaik and Abhaya Nayak.
The programme started with the beautiful patriotic song ‘Tunga Sikhari Chula’. Later, Alumni Association Editor Prof. Ashok Das delivered the welcome speech and presented the editorial details.
The guests handed over awards to the winners of many competitions held earlier in the varsity.
Alumni Association member Dr. Debasish Mahapatra presided over the program while the Alumni Association Executive Committee member Gadadhar Rath delivered the Vote of Thanks.
On this occasion, a cultural programme was later organized under the guidance of University Alumni Connect co-ordinator Prof. Mitali Chinara, Prof. Anusuya Nath, Alumni Association executive member Anindita Das and Pragya Patnaik.
It was moderated by Dr. Sandeep Mohapatra. A photo exhibition was inaugurated by the guests on this occasion. Earlier today, former student and Development Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Jena flagged the ‘Clean and Green Vani Vihar’ march. Mr. Jena unveiled the logo for the ‘Clean and Green Vani Vihar’ campaign, which will be held from today till a year.
About a thousand present and former students participated in the campaign and marched around the campus.
Also present at the program were Alumni Association Vice-President Debendra Prasad Das, Joint Editor Raghunath Panwari, Treasurer Dilip Bisoyi, Joint Treasurer Dr. Veer Kishore Das, Priyabrat Mohanty, Pramod Kumar Patnaik, Dr. Amiya Kumar Mohanty, Tapan Jena, Dr. Narayan Tripathy, Ramesh Chandra Das, Tanmay Swain, Dr. Pradip Rath, Pradipta Kumar Bisoyi, Chinmaya Sahu, Ajay Mahapatra, Ramashankar Pattnaik, Radhakant Pani, Santosh Kamila, Birabhadra Singh, Rajeshraj Swain, Arup Srichandan, Soumya Ranjan Mahapatra, Santosh Sehty and many other former students.
The engagement will be under WBOHPEE funded research project titled “Planning for Neighborhood Plantation avenues and Green space development in a smart city- A Pilot study in three different clusters of Bhubaneswar city using high resolution satellite data and GIS”.
The engagement of Field Assistants will be for a maximum of six months only with effect from the actual date of joining The Walk-in-Interview will be conducted on August 13, 2022 at 11:00 am at P.G. Dept. of Geography.
Details:
Essential qualification: MA/ M.Sc. in Geography or equivalent degree with min. 55% marks.
Desirable Skills: Knowledge in Remote Sensing & GIS will be given preference
Age limit: The upper age limit for the position shall be 35 years at the time of appointment.
Payment: Rs 400 per day as per the requirement of the Project.
Similarly, the PG department of Philosophy will also hold a walk-in-interview for Project Assistant posts.
Details:
1. Project Assistant for a project entitled “Experience, Consciousness and Subjectivity: Investigating Self from Buddhist and Phenomenological perspective”. under Odisha University Research and Innovation Incentivization Plan (OURIIP) Seed Fund Research Project, funded by Odisha State Higher Education Council, Govt. of Odisha.
Date of interview: August 3, 2022
Fellowship: The fellowship will be Rs. 8,000 (consolidated) per month.
2. Project Assistant for a project entitled “Wittgenstein on Solipsism”. under Odisha University Research and Innovation Incentivization Plan (OURIIP) Seed Fund Research Project, funded by Odisha State Higher Education Council, Govt. of Odisha.
Age limit: The upper age limit for the position shall be 35 years at the time of appointment.
Fellowship: The fellowship will be Rs. 8,000 (consolidated) per month for one year.
For other details, visit the official website of Utkal University.
Addressing the media, Pujari said “Police will take action against those involved in violence. We will try to ban the entry of non-students into the varsity campus. We would hold discussion with Vice-Chancellor of the university to come up with measures to maintain law and order situation on varsity premises.”
According to sources, tension ran high at Utkal University campus on Friday evening when 8-10 unidentified miscreants carrying swords ran amok threatening students with life. Non-student miscreants arrived near the office of the Vice Chancellor (VC) inside the varsity campus and threatened the students by pointing swords. When the students ran for their lives, the miscreants damaged several vehicles parked near the VC office. Protesting the incident, students later staged a sit-in in front of the main gate of the varsity demanding immediate action against the culprits.
Meanwhile, students have accused a corporator of sending goons. According to their allegation, the corporator’s son passed lewd comments to some girls on Friday morning which led to an argument between the two parties.
Protesting the incident, students staged a sit-in in front of the main gate of the varsity demanding immediate action against the culprits.
As per reports, a number of non-student miscreants arrived near the office of the Vice Chancellor (VC) inside the varsity campus and threatened the students by pointing swords. When the students ran for their lives, the miscreants damaged several vehicles parked near the VC office.
The students alleged that the goons were sent by a Corporator whose son passed lewd comments to some girls in the campus this morning.
A protesting student said, "We reprimanded the son of the VSS Nagar Corporator in the morning who passed lewd comments to some girl students. Infuriated by the act, the Corporator sent her goons to threaten us."
"If the authorities do not take any concrete steps to the unauthorised entry of non-students inside the campus and do not punish the miscreants then the lives of the students will be in danger," he said.
A complaint has been lodged with Saheed Nagar Police station by the students after which IIC, Himanshu Swain reached the spot and pacified the enraged students.
"We have received a written complaint from the students regarding the attack. We are conducting a probe and will find the miscreants soon," said Swain.
Even though the varsity administration is yet to make any official announcement regarding the development, there is unlikely to be any new admission in the second campus of the varsity at Chandikhole in Jajpur district from the coming academic year, said sources.
As per reports, it has been decided to stop new admission of students at the rural campus as only 20 per cent of total students of the university are allowed for the self financing courses according to the revised guidelines by the State Higher Education department. However, the courses will continue as usual for old students.
Earlier a day before, hundreds of B.Sc nursing students had staged a demonstration on Utkal University campus in Bhubaneswar over lack of basic facilities at the second campus of the varsity at Chandikhole in Jajpur district.
The students blocked the road by shutting the main gate and later sat on a dharna in front of the vice-chancellor’s office. They alleged that they are being deprived of clinical education even after three years of taking admissions.
The B.Sc nursing course at the second campus in Chandikhole is being managed by Shrusrutam Charitable Trust. However, students have been demanding that Utkal University authorities should take over the management of the course.
Notably, the Utkal University had recently proposed to the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) for one-time financial support of Rs10 crore and annual financial support of Rs 2 crore for 10 years to develop its Geology Department.
As OMC wanted to know whether any fund in this regard has been considered at the Government level in the Higher Education Department so as to avoid duplication, it advised the varsity to obtain clearance from the government as well as nod for this proposal.
However, in his reply to the OMC, the State Higher Education Department has clarified that Utkal University regularly gets funds from the government for various purposes. And, the varsity currently has a huge amount of available funds totaling more than Rs 500 crore.
Explaining that as a big portion of this available fund is meant for infrastructure development of the University, the Higher Education department has asked the varsity administration to take up the intended development of Geology Department out of this available fund.
"There is no need for the University to seek external financial support, either from OMC or from anybody else," Odisha Higher Education department secretary Saswat Mishra stated in a notice dated May 6.
Under these circumstances, the proposal of Utkal University seeking financial support from OMC has been declined by the government, he added.
The agitating students staged a protest in front of the office of the Vice-Chancellor and locked up the main gate of the varsity during the stir.
As per reports, B.Sc nursing course has commenced since two years at the second campus in Chandikhol which is being managed by Shrusrutam Charitable Trust. While the students are paying Rs 75, 000 as course fee, they are allegedly not being provided the basic facilities at the institute.
Moreover, regular classes are not being conducted due to staff crunch. As alleged by the students, only three teaching faculties have been appointed for the department. Apart from that, they are also facing issues in library, hostel and food.
The agitating students have demanded nursing management by varsity authorities and not by any private firm.
"As many as 80 students are currently enrolled for the course in first and second year. Even, new students have taken admission. For 3 batches, there are only 3 teachers, of which only one is MSc faculty," said a nursing student, Subhashree Behera.
Further, the student added, "We demand proper conduct of clinical training, appointment of more number of faculties, and proper management of the nursing school."
Meanwhile, another nursing student, Swikruti Ranjan Biswal said, "Students are being admitted to the B.Sc nursing course by showing Utkal University's advertisement since two years. We are paying Rs 75, 000 as course fee like private institutions. As per government protocol, the course fee should be Rs 18, 500. We are ready to pay the course fee, but we should be provided basic amenities. While there are currently three batches, there are only three faculties. How will they take classes?"
As per a revelation made by Higher Education Minister Arun Sahoo in reply to an unstarred question by MLA Soumya Ranjan Patnaik in the Assembly, the State government has spent a whopping Rs 2.42 crore on training meritorious Civil Service aspirants for three years at eight universities in the State but none of them could crack the competitive examination.
What more is that the Higher Education department doesn’t have year-wise records of students having benefited by the project.
When contacted, Laxmikanta Mishra, the former coordinator of Civil Service Coaching Centre in Ravenshaw University, corroborated the minister's statement saying none of the students who underwent coaching did qualify in the CSE prelims.
The possible reasons behind the failure of the noble project now seemed to have baffled educationists and experts alike.
Similarly, the coordinator of Civil Service Coaching Centre at Utkal University, Smita Nayak said, “A proper assessment of the scenario will be made during the training of the January batch of students so that the inherent faults can be rectified through feedback.”
Question arises whether it the failure of the project was due to lack of foresightedness or the gap between the announcement of the project and its execution and if preparation of a blueprint was extremely necessary before its launch.
Amid such a picture, Odisha government on Monday announced another project to provide free coaching to 1,000 meritorious students a year for NEET, JEE entrances.
The failure of free Civil Service coaching has however led many to raise doubts about the success of another project.
Netaji Tapas Kumar Sahu, a student did not hesitate to term such free coaching projects as lollipops offered to students by the government only to win elections.
According to Kriti, another student, the government should instead take steps to improve morale of the students and engage more faculties.
Kamalaprasad Mohapatra, a noted educationist of Odisha opined that educational projects are launched but they remain limited more to pen-and-paper than result on the ground level.
"The responsibility of making these projects successful entirely rests on the concerned officials and there should be direction from the government to make the project launch successful. This way, they will be answerable," said Mohapatra.
As per the official notification, the JRF will be recruited under CSIR sponsored research project entitled "Genome specific SSR and chromosomal markers analysis and molecular characterization of GIGANTEA gene in Musa species" under Prof. Anath Bandhu Das, CSIR- Emeritus Scientist, Department of Botany, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar.
The engagement will be for a period of two years or till the completion of the project. The position is purely temporary.
Minimum Qualification: - M. Sc. in Botany/ Life Science/Plant Genetics/Plant Physiology with minimum 55% of marks with NET/GATE qualification.
Desirable: Candidate having knowledge in plant cytology. molecular cytogenetics and tissue culture. Fellowship: As per CSIR rule.
Age limit: The upper age limit for the position shall be 28 years. Date and time of Interview: 18.12.2021(Saturday) at 11.00 A.M. in the department of Botany.
“Interested candidates may appear in the Walk-in Interview with a copy of the formal application with completed bio-data in the prescribed format "G". A soft copy may please be send to PI of the project by an e-mail (abdas.uubot@utkaluniversity ac.in) on or before Dt. 17.12.2021 for initial scrutiny,” the notification read.
Instruction:
-Candidates are requested to produce original set of all mark sheets and certificates during interview for verification.
-A set of application may be submitted along with self attested photocopy in support of their educational qualifications, NET/GATE certificates, experiences and other testimonials during the interview.
-No TA/DA shall be paid for attending the interview.
Reports stated that some first year IMBA students alleged that they were stripped naked and ragged inside the hostel premises by their seniors.
However, the allegations triggered sharp reactions on the campus premises leading to a clash between junior and senior students.
Several vehicles were ransacked during the clash. The complaint students gheraoed the Vice-Chancellor’s office as a mark of protest on Friday.
As per reports, a first year IMBA student was allegedly stripped and ragged inside the hostel by some senior students with help of non-students. The alleged ragging incident sparked off clashes between junior and senior students in the Vani Vihar campus. Several vehicles have reportedly been damaged in the post-ragging vandalism in the campus.
Students, who fell victim to the alleged ragging incident, on Friday gheraoed the Vice-Chancellor’s office as a mark of protest.
The junior students are not feeling safe in the hostels as outsiders and non-students are involved in such harassments, the juniors said.
“Following the admissions of first year IMBA students, the seniors have been ragging the junior students. Today, we have staged a demonstration protesting against the ragging of junior students who were stripped naked, beaten up. The seniors are forcing the junior students to call them ‘Sir’,” alleged Santosh Nayak, a student.
Another student said, “The seniors are threatening us inside departments with the help of non-students. Seniors said that ragging is a tradition here. It is absolutely not justified when there is already a ban on ragging at educational institutions in the country.”
Prof Basant Mallick, PG Council Chairman (Utkal University) said, “Some students have alleged that some non-students have ragged them. We will conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident.”
Mallick further stated that anti-ragging measures will be strengthened in the campus. “The existing security set up will be tightened and steps will be taken to regulate the entry gate (VSS Nagar side) after discussions,” he added.
After 20 minutes of the commencement of third and fifth semester exams of Plus III, some students complained that the questions were out of the scope of the syllabus.
Soon after the allegations surfaced, authorities of the university cancelled the exams of the two honours subjects. The exam controller of the university informed that re-examination of the subjects will be conducted in seven days.
Besides, the varsity authorities have asked students to stay in touch with college officials to know about the new examination dates.
As per reports, while a group of students of the Utkal University's Pharmacy department was staging an agitation in front of the varsity main gate, some non-students and former students allegedly misbehaved with protestors. This sparked palpable tension between both the groups and they subsequently clashed in presence of police.
The two groups had face-off with cops as well when the officials intervened into the matter to pacify the situation.
Meanwhile, police have deployed one platoon of force in the Utkal University campus to prevent any untoward incident. Two non-students were also detained by the police.
Comments from the university authorities could not be received despite repeated attempts.
In another instance, tension erupted in the Sambalpur University campus when two groups fought a pitched battle following face-off between a professor of the Political Science department and an M.Phil student.
Two persons from both the groups were reportedly injured in the clash and have been admitted to the Burla hospital.
The authorities of Sambalpur University are yet to comment on the incident.
“Like this year, the students' union elections were cancelled last year too. Neither convocation nor any developmental activity was carried out in the university for which students protested and staged demonstration earlier. If such activities are termed as violent, the authorities supposedly don’t want us to rise for our rights,” said Soumyaranjan Mohapatra, a student of the University.
According to sources, the varsity's PG Council cancelled the elections in the campus this year owing to tension in the premises. This prompted students to protest before the VC office on Saturday and in front of the university main gate today.
“We are protesting so that university officials will take the students' union polls seriously and will reconsider their decision. It’s very shameful that such situations repeatedly occur on the campus of a NAAC approved 'A+' university, owing to security reasons,” rued Nitish Kumar Bhola, a protesting student.
Meanwhile, with student election round the corner, poll fever has gripped other colleges and universities of the State capital.
The two-time MLA from Pallahara, who was also an MP from Deogarh in 1980, resides in Room no-24 of Nilakantha Hostel at Utkal University.
Despite achieving success in his political career, Sahu chose to quit as he felt that principles are slowly fading away from politics. That's why he decided to spend the last phase of his life as a student.
"No rules, regulations and principles are followed in politics, so I decided to quit. It was the happiest day of my life when I got admission at Utkal University," Sahu said.
In 1963, Sahu graduated in Economics from Ravenshaw University.
But his zeal to pursue higher studies turned him into a student once again after 46 years. In 2009, he started pursuing his post-graduation at Utkal University and completed it in 2011. Subsequently, in 2012, he pursued M.Phil in Philosophy.
Sahu had not been able to complete his higher education as he belonged to a backward region of Odisha where only a few get chance to go for higher studies.
"As I belong to a backward region, I don't want the next generations to suffer. So I advise them to refrain from involving in corrupt practices," the 80-year-old said.
With his great sense of humour and ability to mingle with young students of the hostel, the octogenarian has managed to create a special place among the hostel students.
Also Read: Living in the dark: Electricity still eludes this Odisha village
"The way he mingles with us, he never makes us feel that there is a huge age gap. He acts like a friend as well as a guardian," a student said.
Even administrative officials of Utkal University think that Sahu is setting an example for the students of the university.
"Sahu always guides the young students with his unique personality. We thank him for gelling with us by staying at the hostel as a student," Director of CDC at Utkal University, Santosh Tripathy, said.
In his free time, Sahu also works on his auto-biography.
According to sources, the decision was taken at the PG council meeting today.
As per a notification issued by the Higher Education Department yesterday, student union polls in various universities will be held between 8 AM and 2 PM on October 11.
While candidates will file their nomination papers on October 3, the last date of withdrawal of nomination is October 4. The final list of valid contestants will be published on the same day.
‘Why I Stand For’ meeting will be held on October 10, a day before the polling.
Votes will be counted and the election results will be declared on the day of polling on October 11. The oath taking ceremony of the elected candidates will be held on October 12, the notification read.
Odisha has 11 state universities, 5 private universities, 102 government autonomous colleges, 287 aided, 120 block grant colleges, 294 un-aided colleges and 143 self financing colleges. Of the 11 state universities, one (Utkal University) was accredited with A+ ranking in 2016 and 6 others with A grade. The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of Odisha remains at a lowly 17.5%. The ambitious target of 30% GER will take much more than just establishing new institutions.
272 posts for Junior Lecturers and 513 posts for Lecturers are lying vacant. Only in 2016, State Selection Board, coming to life after 24 long years in coma, appointed 1625 Lecturers in non-government aided colleges. How knowledge imparting would be happening at the face of such vacancy is anyone’s guess. A comment on quality, training, skills of these faculty members would demand another essay altogether.
Scholarships given are scanty and paltry. Schemes like KSSY which make provision for education loan for higher education at 1% repayment interest exist only on paper. While the announcement is there, banks have no clue about it as they have not received any communication from the government. Some scholarships are broad based, like a mega scholarship for 10,000 students, it provides for Rs 10,000 per annum. Anyone aware of the skyrocketing cost of higher education in the country will scoff at such an amount of scholarship.
There already exists District Infrastructure and Quality Monitoring Cells headed by District level Consultants, and up to 30 in few districts. Odisha State Higher Education Council was set up in 2014 which aims to “provide for the benchmarking, coordination and maintenance of standards and promotion of higher education and research”. Then there are regional directorates, with two new established last week, which oversee affairs of few districts under them. The ghost of overregulation thus continues to haunt higher education. While only recently the government has shown promise by creating autonomous institutions, it needs to be granted broadly for institutions to improve.
Rs 957.2 crore under Plan, 1239.8 crore under non-Plan and Rs 50 lakhs under Central plan has been allotted for higher education in Odisha. The per capita funding received from MHRD, Govt of India, is one of the lowest for Odisha. This discrimination does not augur well for Centre State relation but then it also does not receive much attention. Odisha government last year requested World Bank to provide assistance of Rs 1019.7 crore for improving higher education in the state. It has not received the amount yet. A country which invests very little in higher education of course has states which do so, and Odisha is no exception. If the outcomes are to improve, higher funding has to occur.
Why cannot there be a university for cultural studies which encompasses studies on cultural heritage, dance forms, language, Buddhist studies, etc? Why cannot there be more engineering colleges modelled on NIT-Rourkela, which stands out as only credible institution in that category? Why cannot medical colleges, including the proposed new ones, have state-of-the-art facilities? Why cannot employability of graduates be improved? There are many such questions that haunt higher education in Odisha. A concerted effort beginning from government, civil society, education entrepreneurs, higher education bureaucracy and academics can answer these.
Vice Chancellor of the varsity, Soumendra Mohan Patnaik informed about the programme on the sidelines of the two-day symposium on Global Innovation Design organised by the International Cell of the varsity in collaboration with Royal College of Art, United Kingdom (UK) and Imperial College of London.
As many as 40 research scholars of the Utkal University, along with five international scholars participated in the event which aims to take the research and innovation in the premier educational institution to a new level.
"If we lack foreign learning, we cannot move forward. So to project our image on the world stage, student & faculty exchange programmes are necessary," said vice-chancellor Soumendra Mohan Patnaik.
“The international symposium will bridge the gap between the knowledge domain between the West and Utkal University. Our researchers will be benefitted in terms of sharing their work and learn more about their disciplines,” said Kirtiranjan Mallick, member of the organising committee.
Pravat Kumar Nayak, a Research scholar of Utkal University said, “It’s a great experience to exchange the ideas and discuss different innovative ways with the scholars from Imperial College of London. It is a great way of exchanging ideas and culture.”
Utkal University is the only higher education institution in the State with an A+ NAAC grade and Category 1 status from the UGC.
Authorities said that to support the initiative, the University has established an international hostel for foreign students and faculties with a financial assistance of around Rs 7 crore from World Bank.
“Our perspectives are different from the local perspectives, so bringing them together would be very interesting,” said Laurenz, a research scholar from Imperial College London.
"I am looking forward and interested in the Indian students’ response towards our work and research. So it is a good opportunity to stop here in India and engage with them," said Thea Peterson, another research scholar.
Supporters of both groups staged road blockades and burned tyres at different places leading to arrest of three persons.
As per reports, a group of students led by the BCJD's District Unit Secretary Kalpatru Ojha came out with allegations that one Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra of BCJD has been extorting money from private organizations coming to the varsity for distributing different leaflets. Soumya was the Presidential post candidate from the party for the University's student Union Polls in 2017.
“Such acts would tarnish the image of the students outfit,” alleged Kalpataru .
On the other hand, supporters of Soumya alleged that Kalpataru and his associates assaulted and abducted the former.
Following the incident, hundreds of students blocked the road in front of the main gate of the varsity, triggering a widespread disruption of traffic on the stretch connecting Vani Vihar Square with Acharya Vihar Square.
On getting information, Police rushed to the spot and tried to pacify the agitating students.
Somya who was traced by Police and found near Mancheswar, lodged a written complaint with Bhubaneswar DCP Anup Kumar Sahoo, based on which three persons including Kalpataru were arrested.
Protesting the arrests, a number of supporters of Kalpataru blocked the road and burnt tyres on Puri-Bhubaneswar road in front of BJB Autonomous College.
“Three persons have been arrested in connection with the incident,” informed Police today adding the adequate force have been deployed in the campus to contain any untoward incident.
According to sources, a total of 312 students had applied for the five-year Integrated MBA course at the varsity and the entrance examination was scheduled to be held today. Even few of them had downloaded the admit card with the date mentioned May 15, 2018.
However, these students, after reaching the university to appear the exam today, found that the entrance was already conducted a day before.
They alleged that the department conducted the entrance test yesterday on May 14 without informing them and a few of total applicants only appeared the test yesterday.
“We think there is some scam going on in the admission procedure. Although the university authorities took our admit cards and assured us that necessary steps will be taken, we doubt whether that will be done in a fair manner,” said Ashok Mahapatra, a parent.
On the other hand, the varsity authorities have promised that they would conduct another examination for these 30 odd students and will notify them regarding this as soon as possible. This apart, the faculty of the department assured that the process will be fair and they will take proper care of the students’ requirements.
Speaking to odishatv.in, admission committee member of the varsity Santosh Kumar Tripathy informed that they had notified about the change in dates of the entrance examination on the university website and the same was published on various newspapers as well.
“Unfortunately because of communication gap, few aspirants came here to appear the IMBA entrance today. Because of shortage of rooms due to entrance examinations of various departments we decided to conduct the test on May 14 but a few aspirants had already downloaded the admit card of May 15. Of the 312 students, 250 students appeared the test yesterday while out of remaining 62 aspirants 34 of them came to appear the test today,” said Tripathy.
https://youtu.be/L3oe04aDO7w
He further added, “Although we corrected the date on our website and published a notification in various newspapers, few of them who did not keep a track of our website missed it. But keeping students' interest in mind, the admission committee will take necessary steps in this direction.”
A few guardians also expressed dissatisfaction questioning the steps taken by the department.
“We had checked the website yesterday, there was no such notification, neither we received any mail regarding the dates being preponed. We want all 312 students to appear the test, including those who had appeared the test yesterday. They should also appear and that will ensure a fair and unbiased test for an entry into the course,” said Abinash, brother of another aspirant.
Each of the 75 NRCs have to prepare discipline wise online training material with focus on latest developments, new & emerging trends, pedagogical improvements and methodologies for transacting revised curriculum that will be provided through SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active-Learning for Young Aspiring Minds) platform of MOOC - Massive Open Online Courses.
“Under this initiative, all in-service teachers, irrespective of their subject and seniority will have an enabling opportunity to keep abreast of the latest developments in their disciplines through the technology based online refresher course,” read an official notification of the HRD Ministry released on Friday.
The task of the NRCs will be to develop the Refresher Module including the latest trends in the earmarked discipline by June 15 each year. The training materials will be uploaded and made available through SWAYAM to all the teachers from October 1 every year and based on the response, the course can be repeated in the following January.
The NRC will publish the list of the faculty who have been certified by December 31, 2018. Following which, UGC will issue order/regulations for the purpose of Career Progression and Academic Performance Indicators (APIs).
“Faculty can benefit from this initiative as it is highly flexible and can be done at one’s own pace and time. The NRCs will revolutionize professional development of faculty by catering to massive numbers by leveraging ICT and online technology platform of SWAYAM,” stated the HRD Ministry’s notification.
As per the notification Utkal University has been notified as NRC for Anthropology.
The students argued that Rama Devi was famous as a college and the Plus-II and Plus-III students are its identity. However, the government has decided to separate the Plus-II and Plus-III colleges after it was declared a university. They further alleged the government is destroying the career of students by delaying the establishment of the second campus.
The students have decided to continue their agitation as they have not yet received any satisfying reply from the Higher Education department.
Earlier on May 30, 2015, Rama Devi Women's Autonomous College was upgraded to Rama Devi Women's University by the State government. Besides, Gangadhar Meher (Autonomous) College in Sambalpur and Khallikote (Autonomous) College in Berhampur were also upgraded to universities.
While the Gangadhar Meher & Khallikote varsities have received land to set up their second campuses, the government is yet to find a suitable location for the second campus of RD Women's University, protesting students said.
The state government had initially selected a piece of land in Daspur on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar for the second campus of RD Women’s University. However, the plan was dropped after the location was deemed too remote.
Later in January this year the State government decided to set up the second campus of RD Women's University on the premises of the Utkal University and formed a special committee under the chairmanship of Utkal University Vice-Chancellor SM Patnaik for identification of 30 acres land.
The proposal of the government did not go down well with the Utkal varsity students and they staged demonstration inside and outside the campus protesting the decision to accommodate the second campus of RD varsity. Several student organizations joined the protests demanding immediate rollback of the decision.
Following protests the proposal to set up the second campus of RD varsity on Utkal Varsity premises was withdrawn and the government decided to set up an extension campus of the institute on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.
The vice-chancellor of RD University, Padmaja Mishra on February 13, 2018 announced that an annexure building of the varsity will be built in the first phase instead of a second campus.
Higher Education Minister Anant Das, who also attended the function along with Finance Minister Sashibhusan Behera, said a committee has been set up to identify land for the annexure building and also the second campus of the university which will be built in the second phase.
The vice-chancellor of RD University Padmaja Mishra today announced that an annexure building of the varsity will be built in the first phase instead of a second campus.
Speaking on the sidelines of the annual day function of the student union, the VC said, “The varsity will definitely have a second campus in future but for its immediate needs, it requires an annexure building.”
“The concerned ministers have assured us to help get the buildings. Without a new building, it would be difficult for us to operate,” she added.
Higher Education Minister Anant Das, who also attended the function along with Finance Minister Sashibhusan Behera, said a committee has been set up to identify land for the annexure building and also the second campus of the university which will be built in the second phase.
“The varsity will definitely get land for the buildings. Besides, we are looking for appropriate land for the building within the city,” said Behera.
Meanwhile, students alleged that while two other newly coveted universities have already got land for their second campuses, the process is being delayed for RD University.
In this regard, Higher Education Minister Ananta Das held a discussion with Utkal University Vice-Chancellor SM Patnaik yesterday. The committee, which was earlier formed for identification of land for the second campus of the women’s university was revamped. Besides VCs of both the varsities, the panel includes Higher Education Department Director, Khurda Collector and Additional Secretary to the Estate Director of General Administration department.
After the meeting, the Minister informed that the committee will submit a report on identification of a suitable location for the second campus, if it is not feasible to set up the same in Utkal University.
The panel will be directed to submit the report by March 15, said Das.
It is for the second consecutive day that students have been staging demonstrations inside and outside the Utkal University campus protesting the decision to accommodate the second campus of RD varsity.
The State government had earlier constituted a committee under the chairmanship of the Vice-Chancellor to identify 30 acres of land in the existing campus of Utkal University for the second campus of RD Women’s University.
Several student organizations have joined the ongoing protests and are demanding immediate roll back of the decision.
Student Congress too has threatened to intensify its agitation if the decision is not withdrawn by the State government.
Utkal University authorities on the other hand informed that keeping in view the ongoing agitations adequate police force has been deployed in the campus as a precautionary measure.
According to sources, the new campus will be built on 30 acres land on the Utkal University premises. The State Government has formed a special committee for identification of land and other procedures. The panel headed by Utkal University Vice-Chancellor SM Patnaik will identify land for the purpose.
The other members of the committee include RD Women’s University Vice-Chancellor Padmaja Mishra, Additional Secretary to Higher Education Department and a representative of General Administration (GA) Department.
Sources said the committee will submit a detailed report in this matter to the State Government by February 15.
“The long-standing demand for a second campus of the RD Women's University here will soon be materialized. This will solve the problem of shortage of classrooms in the varsity,” said an official of the women’s university.
It may be mentioned here that the state government had initially selected a piece of land in Daspur on the city outskirts for the second campus of the RD Women's University. However, the plan was dropped after the location was deemed to be too remote.
According to information, the accused was passing indecent remarks at the girl near hostel, when some fellow students reached the spot and detained him. Later, they forced him to walk on his knees all the way to police station. The girl complained that the youth had been eve-teasing her for a while.
Acting on her complaint, police detained the youth identified as Susant Sethi, a resident of Bhoi Nagar in Bhubaneswar.
Meanwhile, students have expressed their resentment over laxity in security at the girls' hostel for which outsiders cause such nuisance inside the campus.
In a letter from the department the VC has been asked to, "furnish a detailed report on the allegation made against Maheswar Satpathy, Asst. Professor, Department of Psychology, Utkal University and action taken in this regard to this Department immediately."
Earlier on October 16, authorities of the varsity had discontinued all the academic & student-related activities of Satpathy following a five-day long agitation by students of the Psychology department bringing complaints of mental harassment against him.
An enquiry committee was formed to probe the allegations and submit a report to the VC within October 31, based on which further action will be taken.
According to sources, an unclad man suddenly appeared before the girls while they were coming into the varsity campus through the gate near Acharya Vihar square. Moreover, the miscreant allegedly made indecent gestures towards them as well.
“I was totally shocked after seeing the man in such a state. I was really scared and started crying. Then I called up my friends and came to the Vice Chancellor (VC)’s office,” said a victim girl.
As per students, even though a complaint was lodged with the varsity administration to look into matter, neither the VC nor the authorities showed any concern. Irate over the callousness of the administration, students staged a dharna in front of VC's office.
Coming to know about the protests, police arrived at the spot and launched a probe into the matter. However, the accused is yet to be tracked.
In a letter addressed to the post graduate students, Head of the Department Bhaswati Patnaik stated, “All academic and student related activities of the Department are hereby withdrawn from Maheswar Satpathy, Asst Professor, Department of Psychology with immediate effect till a report is submitted by the enquiry committee.”
An enquiry committee has been formed to probe the allegations and submit a report within October 31, said sources.
On the other hand, Satpathy alleged that he has been a victim of conspiracy.
"I am very determined and the truth will prevail. I have tolerated enough of mental harassment and will tolerate no more. I have already talked to the university administration and they will take further steps," said Satpathy.
It is not for the first time that Satpathy has landed in a controversy. In April this year, the varsity authorities had reprimanded him for disclosing marks of some students on social media before the official declaration of results by the university and even criticising the authorities at regular intervals.
https://youtu.be/_XvPZPMnPyA
The strike, which he called 'Introspective Silent Fasting' began in the morning today and will continue till 8pm. Patnaik appealed to the students to uphold peace and harmony on the campus and bring back academic atmosphere.
The agitation came a day after a group of students gheraoed him and PG Council chairman demanding students' union polls, which was cancelled on September 18 following violence.
Violent activities like hurling of crackers near women's hostels and students' clash had prompted the varsity authorities to cancel the election and close the institution sine die.
After 20 days, the authorities revoked the closure order and reopened the campus on Monday for students.
Higher Education Minister Ananta Das said he has nothing to do with the strike as he is not aware of the development.
“The VC has not discussed anything with me. What I got to know from media is that it’s a token strike in a complete non-violent manner. He has no demands. He has only appealed to the students to maintain peace on the campus. The government doesn’t want to interfere in the internal matter of an autonomous institution like Utkal University,” Das told OTV over phone.
He further informed that a meeting of principal and vice chancellor of all colleges and universities will be held today. The issue of Utkal University will be discussed in the meeting, he added.
Later in the day, he said that government will seek a report soon from VC as the government doesn't support such strike . It's too early to say whether elections will be conducted in the varsity, the minister added.
https://youtu.be/b1C0B9DuPCA
Demanding election to the students’ union, the activists gheraoed the office of the varsity’s Vice-Chancellor Soumendra Mohan Patnaik. They also gheraoed Patnaik while he was coming out of his chamber along with PG Council chairman Brahmananda Satpathy and the Students’ Union Committee advisor. The students questioned the VC on what grounds he cancelled the students’ union poll this year and why he is not taking up any discussion with them on the matter?
They demanded that the authorities reconsider the issue and conduct the students’ union poll for this year since the university is an autonomous body. However, the varsity authorities denied to comment on the matter. Meanwhile, PG Council Chairman said all examinations will be conducted by October 25.
The Utkal University, which was closed sine die from September 18 following pre-poll violence on the campus, reopend today. The students were allowed to enter the university campus and hostels only after they produced their identity cards.
https://youtu.be/BtD0lUEPmlM
A notification in this connection was issued today after a meeting with police. The notification said, "Entry into the university premises and hostels will be allowed only on production of valid identity cards in original issued by the university authorities. They are also required to submit a photocopy of the same at the time of entry into hostels."
The police assured to provide adequate security arrangements after the varsity reopened. "I had a meeting with the vice chancellor and other officials of the university. They have asked to lift the sine die tomorrow. We have also discussed about the security of the campus," Police Commissioner YB Khurania said.
Notably, the varsity was closed sine die on September 18 following violence in the campus ahead of the students’ union elections. The closure order came after bombs were hurled inside the campus which had forced the cops to clamp Section 144.
A notification issued by the Utkal University stated, “The students’ union election scheduled to be held on September 23 stands cancelled.”
All inmates of boys and girls hostels have been asked to vacate their rooms by 6 pm today.
Besides, prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC have been clamped at the main gate of the university in view of tension.
Entry of outsiders has been strictly restricted and police are allowing only students, staff and hostel employees into the campus on production of proper identity proof.
Meanwhile, a group of students ransacked the vice chancellor's office after a dharna protesting cancellation of the polls.
Yesterday some miscreants hurled bombs at a women’s hostel of the varsity and vice chancellor’s office following a clash between two groups of students.
Earlier on September 13, violence was witnessed on the varsity premises after a group clash which left two students injured including a presidential aspirant.
https://youtu.be/CjlDcwrxPto?t=4
The scuffle left two students including presidential candidate Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra injured. He was rushed to Capital Hospital while another injured was admitted to a private clinic.
Mohapatra lodged a complaint at Saheed Nagar police station alleging that he was attacked by some outsiders in the hostel.
The outsiders along with some students from the rival group attacked him with sharp weapons while he was campaigning in the hostel, he alleged.
Meanwhile, one platoon police has been deployed in the varsity to maintain law and order.
The decision was finalized in a PG Council review meeting chaired by PG Council Chairman along with HODs of 27 departments, Warden and Advisors of Students' Union.
"PG Council Chairman called up for a review meeting. After discussing various issues and looking through all perspectives, we finalized that elections will be held in the varsity and we would follow the advertisement of State Government regarding Student’s Union election,” said Jayanta.
As per the notification of Higher Education Department, election to Students’ Union in several colleges and universities will be held on September 23 while the process is likely to start from September 15.
Also Read: Higher Education Department notifies schedule for Students’ Union Election
Nearly, 66.3 acre land in Siha panchayat, 12 km from Chandikhol has been provided to Higher Education Department for the second project also known as a rural campus of Utkal University.
Varsity officials said Rs 70 crores would be spent for the second campus which would be a centre for skill development and research.
“The place is good for an educational institute and we met the villagers and local authorities to discuss with them on many issues. Only the cashewnut field has not been demarcated,” said PG Council Chairman of Utkal University Brahmananda Satapathy.
A student of the university, Soubhagya Mohapatra said, “Students of Utkal University will be benefited from the Skill Development Centre which will be set up near Chandikhol. It will be helpful for development in research sector.”
Two years back Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, during foundation day ceremony of the students’ union, had announced the second campus of the university and had approved the budget.
Now he has allocated the land, but locals have raised some issues due to the presence of a cashewnut field in the given land. Technical Committee members of Utkal University have discussed with the villagers on this issue.
Local MLA Amar Prasad Satpathy said that a solution on the issue has been found and there is no problem in establishing the second campus.
MLA Satpathy, talking to OTV said, “We have convinced the villagers that not a single cashew nut tree will be cut off. It will be protected even if it is planted on government land. Even the villagers will receive the profit gained from the cashew trees, so there is no issue. Some people who are not in favour of the second campus are trying to create an issue.”
The foundation stone for the second campus will be laid by Higher Education Minister Ananta Das on July 31.
Patnaik will hold the office for a period of three years with effect from the date he assumes office as such or until further orders, a notification issued by the Raj Bhavan said.
At present Patnaik is working as Professor of Anthropology, University of Delhi and has also been the president of Indian Anthropological Association.
He is a full bright Nehru Visiting Fellow at Virginia Tech University and has authored three books and published more than 33 research publications in national and international journals.
The Appointments Committee of Cabinet has approved his appointment, an order issued by Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) said.
He has been appointed in place of Boyapati Venkat Sudhakar, the order said.
Nanda is an Indian Postal Service officer of 1982 batch. He graduated from Fakir Mohan University in Balasore and completed in his post-graduation from Utkal University,Bhubaneswar.
The CM made this announcement at the students' union function of the university organised here on Friday.
Naveen also laid foundation stone of Human Resources Development (HRD) centre, Convention cum Outreach Centre and Biotechnology Annex, and said these centres would be of immense help to the students. “Development of infrastructure both social and physical has been our top priority. A lot of infrastructure has been developed here at Vani Vihar,” the BJP supremo added.
Earlier today, situation turned tense on the Utkal University Campus hours before Naveen’s visit leading to detention of 50 student activists by police. Amid tight security, the CM reached the venue ground in the varsity to attend the annual day function.
According to sources, a motorcycle rally was taken out by the students’ wing of Congress in protest of CM’s visit. Upon being stopped, a scuffle broke out between the police and the activists.
Also Read: Utkal varsity Asst Prof in soup for FB posts
Amid tension, police detained around 50 student activists, sources informed.
The CM is scheduled to attend the annual function of the student of the University.
The examination result of total 271 colleges under the university was published on the official website of the varsity. Moreover, Vice-Chancellor Ashok Kumar Das officially released the result booklet.
The total pass percentage of Science, Arts and Commerce stream is 88.66 percent.
The highest pass rate of Science stream is 91 per cent, 90 per cent for Arts stream and 85 per cent for Commerce.
Brajabandhu Samal of Dayavihar (Degree) College in Kanas, Puri has become the best graduate in Science this year with 95.88 per cent, stated Das.