Academic progress of Sambalpur University

Following is a report from the Sambad:

AD for UG and PG admission and faculty positions for Sambalpur University Institute of Information Technology (SUIIT)

Following report is from the Sambad:

Sambad examines problems surrounding Sambalpur University

Following report is from the Sambad:

Clipping autonomy will hurt the growth of Sambalpur University Institute of Information Technology (SUIIT)

See the following TOI report. Some people are proposing to bring Sambalpur University Institute of Information Technology (SUIIT) under Sambalpur University Such a move will hamper the growth of the institute because it will lose its decision making and administrative power to Sambalpur University. All of us know that Sambalpur University administration is too slow because it is already overloaded with work of many affiliated degree colleges.

The govt. is taking steps to make some colleges autonomous; thus reducing the work load of Sambalpur University to some extent. Sambalpur University should cut down such unnecessary work load and devote it-self completely towards opening more undergraduate, PG and integrated PhD courses.

To hold or not to hold SUIIT hand

BHUBANESWAR: Proposals are gaining ground to bring Sambalpur University Institute of Information Technology (SUIIT) under varsity statutes. A large section of the university fraternity, however, is strongly opposing any move to dilute the autonomy of SUIIT.

The two-year-old self-sustaining institute, considered the biggest success story ever for the varsity, enjoys complete financial, administrative and academic autonomy as of now. “We are not against autonomy of SUIIT. But since it is a constituent of the varsity, it should be within the framework of university statute and University Grants Commission (UGC) rules, as enjoyed by other autonomous departments of the varsity,” said professor B K Tripathy, a member of the varsity Syndicate, a representative body of educationists in the varsity. “We have requested the vice-chancellor that the matter should be discussed in the next Syndicate meeting,” he said.

A brainchild of former vice-chancellor Arun Pujari, the institute was established in 2010 as an autonomous constituent of SU. It imparts MCA, B.Tech, M.Tech and M.Sc in computer science, M.Sc in electronics and M.Sc in bioinformatics in a self-financing mode. Some of these courses were pulled out from different existing departments of the varsity and brought under SUIIT. The state government had given an initial budget of Rs 10 crore in 2009-10 for the institute.Directorate of Distance and Continuing Education (DDCE) of the varsity gave another Rs 5 crore for construction of its buildings.

Those lobbying to bring it under the varsity statute say there are other departments in the varsity, which are also running self-financing courses. So, why should SUIIT be given so much special privilege? “The idea is to bring transparency in SUIIT functioning and strengthen it further,” said professor Antaryami Panda, a Syndicate member and director of Academic Staff College.

Currently, a governing board and an executive council under the vice-chancellor takes decisions on the functioning of the institute. Though the VC nominates two Syndicate members to the board, neither the Syndicate nor the Senate (the apex decision making body of the varsity) has direct say in its affairs. SUIIT appoints its own faculty on contract and arranges visiting faculty from internally generated funds.

Members of the varsity fraternity said since the model of the institute is on the lines of International Institute of Information Technology, Bhubaneswar, it should be left to grow on its own. “The university should do hand holding for initial few years and gradually give it more autonomy. That will help the institute to grow. Bringing it under the varsity may kill the institute,” said Bhabani Hota, president of All India University Employees’ Confederation.

The University Employees Association has strongly opposed any attempt to curtail the SUIIT autonomy. “Some vested interests are trying to ruin SUIIT. We will agitate against any such attempt. It has brought glory for the university,” said Mahendra Mishra, president of the association. SUIIT, which offers B.Tech in IT and computer science, should expand and open B.Tech in civil, electrical and mechanical disciplines, he added.

Utkal University to introduce BTech programmes

It was very sad that a bunch of fools from western Odisha were opposing the then VC of Sambalpur University Prof AK Pujari while he was trying to introduce UG cources in Jyoti Vihar. The so called activist-fools are not aware of the fact that all most all successful institutes in the world (from IIT to MIT) have UG courses in their campuses. Universities are not merely for PG and PhD courses. A bunch of fools in western Odisha are hurting the growth of the region.

See the following is a report from The Telegraph:

Bhubaneswar, Dec. 14: TheUtkalUniversity is planning to introduce BTech programmes in nanotechnology, robotics and artificial intelligence in its proposed engineering college.

There will be 30 seats for each discipline. The decision was taken at the syndicate meeting that chalked out an action plan for establishing “the centre of science and technology” within a year, under which all the new courses will run.

A committee, led by professor Trilochan Pradhan, has been assigned to conduct a “feasibility study” for the courses. The committee will also prepare a project report, including infrastructure and faculty requirement.

“Instead of the traditional branches of engineering such as mechanical, civil and electrical, the university will begin with cutting-edge technologies such as BTech in nanotechnology, BTech in robotics and artificial intelligence under its upcoming engineering college,” a senior official of the university said.

“Over 25,000 seats are lying vacant in engineering colleges across the state. But seats are not going vacant at the Indian Institute of Technology or the National Institute of Technology. It’s high time we cash on the brand of the university. All the courses will be offered at affordable fees as emphasis will be given on maintaining quality and not earning profits,” he said.

Senior faculty from the departments of knowledge engineering, physics, and chemistry will be initially engaged for the courses. The university is also exploring possible tie-ups with other premier technical institutes to pull in the best experts for its new school.

“A centre for science and technology will be opened and all the BTech disciplines will be brought under its fold. Since the construction of the centre will take time, we plan to make use of the space at the department of pharmacy and start the courses by the next academic session,” the official said.

Discussions were also held on launching of courses of food technology and agri-management. The university vice chancellor had, earlier this month, announced the launching of an engineering college on the varsity campus.

While aiming for introduction of more courses, the idea behind launching these courses was to generate funds for maintenance of the university, he said.

Prof Bishnu Charan Barik is the new Vice-Chancellor of Sambalpur University

Following is a report from TOI:

BHUBANESWAR: Putting to rest all controversies over the re-appointment of the incumbent vice chancellor for a three-years term, Governor M C Bhandare on Thursday appointed Bishnu Charan Barik the new vice-chancellor of Sambalpur University. Barik, an ex-pupil of the university, is currently professor of sociology at the Swami Ramananda Teerth Marathawada University in Nanded (Maharashtra).

“No pleasure can match that of working in your alma mater. I am very fortunate to have got a chance to work at the Sambalpur University where I did my post graduation,” he said.

Speaking to TOI over phone from Pune, Barik said he would fix his list of priorities soon after talking to faculty members and students. Being an alumnus of SU, Barik said he was already acquainted with the varsity, many faculty members and employees, which would be an added advantage for him.

Barik, who hails from Sabalong Kanipara (Chandol) in Kendrapara district, did his graduation from Kendrapada College, PG (sociology) from Sambalpur, MPhil from South Gujarat University and PhD from Sardar Patel Univerity. He specializes in rural sociology and has done extensive research on agrarian studies, migration and dam/water management, among others.

University insiders have welcomed Barik’s appointment. “We welcome the selection and look forward to the vision of the new V-C. Since he is an ex-student, he would be able to feel the pulse of the campus and take the best steps in the interest of the university,” said Karunakar Supakar, the chancellor’s nominee in the Syndicate, the apex decision making body of the university.

In the race for the prestigious post, Barik edged past Rajaram Panda (JNU) and present V-C Arun Pujari. Sources said the chancellor’s office was reluctant to give a second term to Pujari because that would have violated UGC norms. Besides, possibilities of his taking up the duties for a second-term had created a furor among a section of the faculty members and students. Panda, on the other hand, did not have sufficient active teaching experience. The chancellor had interviewed the three on October 15.

Earlier, the selection-cum-search committee, comprising Gujarat cadre IAS officer Pramod Mishra (Syndicate nominee), former Allahabad University V-C A Mehta (UGC nominee) and Delhi University’s Prof Poonam Saxena (chancellor nominee), had shortlisted the three names for the coveted post.

Why should Prof. Arun Pujari be appointed as the VC of Sambalpur University for the second term?

Following was a repose from Dr. Arjun Purohit on the VC appointment issue of SU (this was posted in KDDF):

Dear all,

It is fascinating to see the sense of involvement of citizenry in the selection of VC of Sambalpur University. This is good. I have not noticed so much enthusiasm for a new VC for any other university in Odisha. There is good reason for that. People of the reason want to see that SU succeeds as the only full fledged multi-disciplinary institution in Western Odisha which has managed to outshine similar institutions in Odisha in spite of not too secret neglect of the state government. Among the comments, I recognise many I know and have high regards, and I understand the sincerity of there deliberations.So here is my two cents worth of input into the process of deliberation. My comments and conclusion should in no way be construed as disregard for the opinions expressed by others.

What should be the criteria for choosing the VC of SU ?  Bertrand Russell used to say,”…war is too serious a business to be left to the generals(my paraphrase)”. No single criterion is sufficient, be it scholarship,administrative excellence.popularity, and what not. The single most important goal of the university is to prepare the students for the twenty first century in spite of all odds. For that what is required is leadership with a clear vision and ability to execute the vision, and do whatever it takes to accomplish it.

Whenever I go to region, I try to meet the current VC of SU of the time because of my love for the institution. Without denigrating the contribution of so many past VCs of the institution, I must say that the current VC of SU,Dr.Pujari  is perhaps one of the best I have met. How he accomplished so much within one term is simply seemingly impossible considering the odds. He has the unique combination of all the necessary competence one can think of. By any measure, leading SU is a daunting task. But he has managed to find resources both within and outside the institution with innovative ideas to institute new programs and institutions within SU within so short of time. One of the most visible of such efforts is the creation of IIIT, which will have far reaching impact on the significance of the University. But that is not the only one. There are many other projects which are in the different stages of of implementation. One of these is to selectively upgrade some of colleges strategically located in outlying distant and severely deprived areas within the catchment of SU, and to identify bright young minds in the area, and to mentor them in becoming leaders in different scientific and technical disciplines. I was so impressed with the concept that I have volunteered to be a minor players in this enterprise.

Like all terms, his term of VC has come to an end. Now the issue in front of us is  how do you replace him, or the question can be rephrased  as, should we replace him ? Change should not be done for change’s  sake. At the same time, one also must not be married to the idea that the present incumbent is irreplaceable. In my humble opinion, if one finds somebody with his unique combination of leadership skills and proven track record,or even better than his credentials, then of course we should welcome such a person as our new VC. Not knowing the details of potential candidates, I obviously can not comment. Having said that, I also find that Dr.Pujari is young and is very energetic, far more than many senior academic leaders one can think of. Taking all these into consideration, I will personally prefer that his tenure be extended for another term. This will at least give time for the projects to be completed.

Regards

Arjun Purohit

State varsities asked to introduce five year integrated and job oriented courses

Following report is from The Pioneer:

Like technical institutions, general universities in Odisha need to pursue a special programme and prepare a vision document for next five years keeping an eye on the requirements of students. A direction in this regard has been given by Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Higher Education Chandra Sekhar Kumar to the Vice Chancellors of the State’s six general universities.

The VCs of Utkal, Berhampur, Sambalpur, Ravenshaw, Fakir Mohan and North Odisha universities have been categorically told to ensure enhancement of the education standard in their respective institutions besides special action plan to attract foreign students to the State.

Apart from regular teachings, the State’s universities need to introduce five year integrated courses like Astronomy, Astrophysics, Earth System Science, Archaeology, International Law and Disaster Management. Introduction of new and job oriented courses like Risk Management, Banking & Finance, Insurance and IT in colleges and universities were suggested. Foreign students and students having outlook would certainly prefer to pursue courses in such subjects, the VCs were told. The new courses would open up channels of education in the State, the Higher Education Secretary told the VCs. While the strength of English speaking students in the State in general is poor, this is needed to be improved by making provisions for imparting communicative English and soft skills. Similarly, courses on Computer Applications and Entrepreneurship are much needed.

Revision and modernisation of syllabi was also suggested during a daylong consultation with VCs recently. Enhancement of competencies of faculties, greater use of ICT and networking of universities in general and foreign universities in particular was discussed at length.

State universities need more funds: Vice President of India

Following is a report by IANS taken from MSN:

Kolkata, Dec 20 (IANS) Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari Monday said that higher education cannot improve in India unless state universities are able to obtain more funds, create new infrastructure and enrich their existing academic programmes.

‘Higher education cannot improve in India unless state universities, which are the backbone and represent the bulk of enrolment, are able to obtain greater funds, create new infrastructure and enrich their existing academic programmes,’ Ansari said at the Foundation Day Lecture 2010 of the University of Calcutta.

Even though we have been able to achieve an economic growth rate of 9 percent of the GDP despite low enrolment in higher education, it would not be possible for us to sustain such an economic growth, maintain our competitiveness and enhance our productivity without at least doubling our higher education enrolment, he said.

‘We must create avenues for vocational education so that entering universities does not become a default choice for the sake of employment,’ said Ansari.

Stiff opposition for Sambalpur University’s ‘private exam’ move

Following is a report from expressbuzz.com

SAMBALPUR: The privatisation and outsourcing spree has not spared Sambalpur University either. If the varsity authorities have their way, students will soon find their examination and evaluation done by a private agency. And this has stirred up a hornet’s nest.  The student community and the intelligentsia expressed strong resentment at the move to outsource examination.

The university is planning Integrated Examination Management System under which a private agency will be hired. The agency will look after all the exam-related activities __ registration of examinees, admit cards, setting question papers, valuation of answersheets and issuing provisional marksheets. The system is to be implemented at the university’s 220-affiliated colleges, besides various departments.  Once implemented, this would effectively end the work of six examination cells, six confidential cells, one private cell and one distance education cell that are involved in conducting examinations of around 65,000 students every year. 

Sources said three south-based IT firms __ Mind Largx Infotech Limited (Bangalore), Merit Trac Services Private Limited (Bangalore) and Om Shanti Soft Solution Private Limited (Hyderabad) had evinced interest in the project after the varsity floated a tender in July.  Although university authorities have not yet finalised the deal, the move has led to public outcry. Former Vice-Chancellor of Berhampur University Prof A P Padhi and All-India University Employees’ Federation president Bhawani Hota have asked the authorities to first evolve a consensus.  University syndicate member Karunakar Supakar said he would raise the issue at the syndicate. 

The decision has also come in for stiff opposition from Sambalpur University Employees’ Association, All-Koshal Students’ Union, Sambalpur Chhatra Vikash Parishad and Sambalpur unit of NSUI.  The NSUI, led by district president Debasis Dash, held a meeting on Saturday and resolved to launch a stir if the decision is not withdrawn. However, university Registrar Dr S S Rath said the proposal is at nascent stage and all aspects will be looked into before taking a final decision.

–This report was filed by Mr. Ratan K Pani