In an unprecedented manner, governor and chancellor of universities S C Jamir on Wednesday pulled up the Utkal University administration for making headlines for all wrong reasons. "If we look back on what happened in the last 12 months, we see the university finds itself regularly in the news for reasons other than academic excellence, and mostly for undesired happenings on the campus," Jamir said. He was addressing the 71st foundation day function of the university.
"It surely serves a reminder that there is an urgent need for serious introspection from all stakeholders. I expect all, from teachers to students, to do everything to enable the university maintain its reputation as a premier centre of higher learning in the state," the chancellor said. Stating that discipline is applicable not only to students but also to teachers, Jamir said a teacher without discipline can't be an ideal guide. The governor's speech was widely seen in the varsity fraternity as a reference towards frequent campus unrest and infighting among top varsity functionaries. Jamir also called for promoting spirit of camaraderie among all stakeholders of the varsity, which is often under criticism for infighting.
He proposed that a cooperative approach be taken so that every member feels part of a big family. Stating that there are many complaints about functioning of the varsity, Jamir suggested the administration resolves the genuine problems immediately, which otherwise would lead to major conflict. Jamir emphasized on respecting women and bringing discipline among students and teachers. Vice-chancellor P K Sahoo, in his address, conceded serious difficulties in running the varsity due to inadequate faculty and infrastructure.
"I want to remind the government and society at large that Vani Vihar campus is now 50-year-old and is ageing. Nothing less than a complete renovation of teaching, administrative and residential blocks and hostels would save us from a disaster," Sahoo said. Highlighting faculty shortage, Sahoo said, "We can not fulfil the minimum requirement (for special assistance programme of the University Grants Commission) owing to lack of teachers. This is not a happy situation," he said.
The VC said with a large number of vacancies and no digitized library, the varsity can't seek re-accreditation from National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), which is mandatory under UGC guidelines. Pressing for more state funding, the VC said the state government had declared a few post graduate departments centres of excellence. Such declaration must be backed by additional manpower and funds, he said. "We know our problems. We know the solutions, yet we feel helpless. So we feel uncertain about the future. The days ahead are difficult and full of struggle. We need support from all quarters," the VC said. Source: ToI
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