Odisha HRD

UCE becomes Vir Surendra Sai University of Technology

Following from a report in Pioneer.

The Burla Engineering College has been accorded with a Unitary University status. A Bill to this effect on Wednesday got the nod of the State Assembly. After passing of the Bill, the university is now known as Vir Surendra Sai University of Technology.

As per the provision of the bill, a Management Committee, Academic Council of Studies, Finance Committee and other necessary committee, which is deemed to be necessary for the functioning of the university, would be set up.

One Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Controller of Finance, Controller of Examination, Students’ Welfare Dean would be appointed. However, the Vice-Chancellor would be appointed on the recommendation of the Chancellor.

6 comments December 18th, 2008

UCE Burla becomes a unitary university – a live report from the assembly

Ashesh Padhy

1 comment December 17th, 2008

UCE Burla unitary university bill to be presented in assembly later this week

It is through the Orissa Cabinet. See http://www.tathya.in/2008/story.asp?sno=2413 and http://www.tathya.in/2008/story.asp?sno=2411. Many thanks to the industries department and especially the unsung SM, who I think did the bulk of the work in the government in such a speedy manner.

Following is a report on the subject.

Continue Reading 15 comments December 9th, 2008

General Colleges count in various Orissa districts – work in progress

The left four columns(*) in the following list is based on the lists at http://orissagov.nic.in/highereducation/DistBlockWise_College_list.htm and http://orissagov.nic.in/highereducation/actsrules.htm. It seems both these lists are not up-to-date. For example, neither list has any colleges in the Boudha district. However, the Boudha district web pages mention it having 9 colleges. Using Google some of the colleges one can find in Boudha are Boudh Panchayat College and Gandharadi College. The rightmost column (**) is based on going to the district web pages and getting information there. That is also not up-to-date as in recent years numerous junior (+2) colleges have opened.

2 comments November 24th, 2008

Indian Institute of Handloom Technology at Baragarh inaugurated: Sambada

The report at http://handlooms.nic.in/hl_dhds.pdf has details about the establishment of this IIHT. Following are some excerpts.

3.6 Setting up of IIHTs in Central Sector, Bargarh  

In order to cater to the needs of the handloom sector for technically qualified manpower, provision for opening the IIHTs in the Central Sector, where required, has been made in the 11^th Plan. The IIHT is being set up at Bargarh (Orissa) as announced by the Hon’ble PM during his visit to the State of Orissa in August 2006. As per the approved norms, the total cost for setting up of the IIHT is Rs. 13.05 crore and the total staff strength is 35.

Funding pattern :- The component will be fully funded by the Central Govt. and the funds will be required for meeting the expenditure on construction of building, salary, wages, scholarships/stipend, travel expenses, machinery & equipments and office expenses. 

…

12 comments November 18th, 2008

Setting up of 6,000 Model Schools at Block level gets union cabinet’s nod: PIB

Following is from http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=44613.

The 123 educationally backward blocks in Orissa are (See also http://education.nic.in/mdm/EEBs.pdf for a bigger list):

November 7th, 2008

Prof. Arun Pujari is joining as the new vice chancellor of Sambalpur University

Following is from a report in Kalinga Times.

Odisha Governor Murlidhar Chandrakant Bhandare on Tuesday appointed Arun Kumar Pujari as the new Vice-Chancellor of Sambalpur University. The post was lying vacant since the resignation of U.C. Biswal.

Pujari, who has wide experience as an academician and academic administration, is at present serving in L.N. Mittal IIT, Jaipur as Professor of Computer Science.

Born in 1954, Pujari completed his post-graduation in Mathematics in 1974 from Sambalpur University and got his PhD from IIT, Kanpur in 1980.

He had written two books such as `Data Mining Techniques’ and `Database Management System’. At least 20 scholars have already or their PhDs under his guidance.

2 comments November 5th, 2008

Recruitment evaluation criteria at Orissa universities and perhaps in many state universities across India

Following is the recruitment criteria that is used at Orissa state Universities (except BPUT and OUAT) and perhaps in many other state universities across India.

(a) The Selection Committee shall consists of :-

(i) The Vice Chancellor. (ii) The DHE, (iii) 3 experts selected by the Vice Chancellor from a panel of six names prepared by the syndicate (iv) an expert nominated by the Chancellor in case of appoint to the post of Professor.

The quorum at a meeting of the Selection Committee shall be four of whom at least two shall be experts including the expert nominated by the Chancellor, if any.

(b) Evaluation of candidates

Evaluation of candidates for different teaching posts in the University (Professor, Reader, Lecturer)

1. GENERAL CAREER (30 MARKS)

(a) 1st Class 2nd Class 3rd Class

      (i) HSC 4 2 1

      (ii) Intermediate (+2) 4 2 1

      (iii) Degree / Honours 8 4 1.5 (Pass)

      (iv) Distinction 2 2 2 (Pass)

      (v) P.G. Degree

            75 – 100 % 12

            65 – 74 % 9

            55 – 64 % 6

            45 – 54 % 4

      (b) Marks for matriculation and Intermediate may be re-distributed as follows in the case of candidates passing Higher Secondary / Pre-University / Pre-Professional etc. in cases where Higher Secondary Examination is initial assessable examination. H.S.C. mark (of 4.2.1) be added to it making it 6, 3 and 1.5 for I, II and III divisions.

      1st Class 2nd Class 3rd Class

      (i) Higher Secondary 6 3 1.5

      (ii) Pre-University 2 1 0.5

      (iii) Pre-Professional 2 1 0.5

      (c) In case of candidates from Universities / Institutions which follow the system of grades, their grades shall be converted to mark as under:

      ‘O’  Grade — 75 – 100 %

      ‘A’  Grade — 65 – 74 %

      ‘B’  Grade — 55 – 64 %

      ‘C’  Grade — 45 – 54 %

      ‘D’  Grade — 35 – 44 %

      (d) In the case of candidates with more than one Bachelor’s Degree, only the Degree in the concerned ‘subject’ shall be awarded marks and the Division obtained will be treated at par with the Honours.

2. RESEARCH DEGREE (20 MARKS) :

      M.Phil. — 03 Marks

      Ph.D.  — 10 Marks

      D.Sc/ D.Litt. — 12 Marks

      M.Phil + Ph.D. — 12 Marks

      M.Phil + D.Sc./D.Litt — 14 Marks

      Ph.D. + D.Sc./D.Litt — 18 Marks

      M.Phil + Ph.D + D.Sc/DLitt — 20 Marks

3. TEACHING EXPERIENCE (10 MARKS) :

      PG teaching  — 1 Mark per year

      Honours teaching —  0.75 marks per year

      Graduate level —  0.50 marks per year

4. PH.D GUIDANCE (5 MARKS) :

      One mark for each Ph.D awarded

5. RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS (15 MARKS)

      10 marks for International Journals and

      5 marks for National Journal

6. VIVA-VOCE (15 MARKS)

7. CCRS / PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL REPORT (PAR) – 5 MARKS

The above is ridiculous. May be it made sense in 1950 or 1960 when there were very few Ph.Ds. In the current situation it does not make sense at all. Fortunately, Ravenshaw University is trying to have a different criteria of evaluation than the above.

3 comments October 19th, 2008

UCE Burla gets conditional nod to be made to a state university

Following is a report from someone who attended the meeting.

Yesterday we (students + alumni + faculty) had a satisfying meeting with CM. salient points –

(1) Ordinance shall be moved to amend BPUT Act to delist UCE as Constituent College of BPUT

(2) CM agreed to move an Act to convert UCE as an Unitary State University subjected to condition given below

(3) CM asked his officials to examine how much acres can be given to UCE

(4) CM said he will look into our claim for Rs 300 crore infrastructure fund which includes Central Funding of 1/3rd.

CM asked what are the benefits of State University. We talked about 12(B) grant from UGC. We talked about an independent Governing Body who can augment the courses/students/faculty/research. We gave examples of BESU & CUSAT.

 

This was contested by VC and Industry Secretary Mr Aditya Padhy. They said that –

(a) UGC fund is very small – may be to the tune of Rs 1 to 2 crore a year. 

(b) Guindy College is affiliated to Anna University, Pune Engg College is affiliated to Pune University and yet they are quality college. Why UCE wants University status, and resisting affilitaion to BPUT.

(c) Deemed University status is no inferior to State University as both get UGC grant against 12 (B) and get nearly same grant.

(d) Indian Institute of Science is Deemed University and yet the best institution.

(e) After Revensaw became University, the situation has not improved. They are still struggling for faculty & fund. VC said he is Revensaw’s Seante Member and knows the conditions better than all of us.

Though CM agreed our demand for State University, he asked us (as well Industry Secretary) to prepare a note with examples of other institutions as to how State University will help UCE to grow. Report should contain references to the growth of some Unitary State Universities (in addition to BESU & CUSAT) including Revensaw University. Report has to be submitted within a week.

6 comments September 25th, 2008

Expert committee report on 374 model colleges in educationally backward districts

The expert committee report is at http://www.ugc.ac.in/notices/dpr374modelcolleges.html. The list of 374 districts contains 18 districts from Orissa. They are:  Malkangiri, Baudh, Kandhamal, Nuapada, Nabrangpur, Gajapati, Koraput, Sonapur, Bargarh, Deogarh, Kalahandi, Balangir, Anugul, Rayagada, Kendujhar, Ganjam, Nayagarh, Dhenkanal. Of these, Malkangiri and Baudha are in Phase 1 with CPI (colleges per lakh population) below 4, Kandhamal and Nuapada in Phase 2 with CPI 4 to 8, and the rest in Phase 3 with CPI 8.1-12.4.

Following are some excerpts from that report:

The criteria for identification of location within the district may be the following:
a. The college has to be located in an area of the district having no college in the vicinity of 10 km radius.
b. Predominantly rural location where the proportion of rural population in area is higher than the State average
c. A new college as an additional one in the vicinity shall be permitted only if the existing college has more than 1000 students, or there is no separate college for women in the area of 10 km. radius.
d. Accessibility : The location of the college should be such that it is accessible, i.e. reasonably well connected by transport facilities so that the college may serve a larger catchments area.
e. Population density: The proposed college should be located subject to fulfillment of the above-mentioned criteria in locations having higher population density in comparison with other contending locations.

4.1. Non- recurring Budget requirements:

4..1.1. Land : Since the Model colleges are to be established in rural, hilly, forest, tribal and other priority areas as per the criteria already described in chapter.2., a minimum of 10 acres of land need to be provided by the State Government concerned to each of the college in the identified low GER district.
4.1.2. Non recurring infrastructure requirements per college:

4.1.2.1. Academic & administrative buildings (3000 sq.mtrs) : 2.5 crores
4.1.2.2. Campus development : 2.0 crores
4.1.2.3. Hostels for 100 students : 1.0 crores*
4.1.2.4.Teachers’/Non teaching quarters – 20 each; : 2.5 crores
4.1.2.5. Laboratories : 0.2 crore
4.1.2.6. Library : 0.2 crore
4.1.2.7. Computer Centre : 0.2 crore
4.1.2.8. Health centre : 0.1 crore
4.1.2.9. sports facilities : 0.1 crore
4.1.2.10 Miscellaneous : 0.2 crore
Total per College Non-recurring :9.0 Crores.
* the expenditure towards hostel could be sanctioned through the UGC special scheme for “ hostels”. The net Non-recurring requirements would thus be Rs.8.0. crores per college.

4.1.2. Recurring Budget requirement: It would involve the salary requirements for 25 teaching and 25 nonteaching personnel for each college and the college maintenance expenditure of Rs.50.0 lakhs per annum to be provided by the State government concerned.

4.1.4.1. Model I: Fully Government supported Colleges:
Non-Recurring : 100 % by Central Government, while the required land for the colleges has to be provided by the State Govt.
(This pattern of financial support by Central Govt. is necessary to motivate the State Governments to
establish these model colleges in the Low GER districts adhering to the criteria suggested for actual location of these Colleges within the LOW GER districts) Recurring : 100% by the State Government;

September 7th, 2008

UCE Burla Students’ dharna reported in various newspapers

Following is an excerpt from a report in New Indian Express.

Students of University College of Engineering (UCE), Burla, launched their three day hunger strike from today staging silent sit-on dharna in front of the administrative building of the college.

The students are demanding Unitary University Status for the oldest engineering college of the State, on the lines of Ravenshaw University, transfer of 400 acres of government land adjacent to UCE campus, hike in annual grant to UCE to Rs 15 crore and special infrastructure development grant of Rs 100 crore spread over three years. The students had launched a stir in October demanding upgradation of UCE to IIT with support from the Alumni Association of the college and locals.

But with the State Government deciding to house the IIT at Jatni, they are now demanding declaring the college as an Unitary University.

The students had apprised the Chief Minister of their demand vide a petition on August 2 and set August 21 as deadline to fulfill the demand.

But with no communication from the office of the Chief Minister for a dialogue over the issue, they resorted to hunger strike. … A delegation of students will be leaving for Bhubaneswar and will try to get an audience with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Governor MC Bhandare.

7 comments August 24th, 2008

UCE Burla students write to CM to make it a unitary university

Following is the copy of the letter that was sent to me:

Sri Naveen Patanaik ji
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Orissa

Sub: State Govt’s response to our demand for “Unitary University” status to our college.

Respected Sir,
In our letter dated 2nd August, 2008, we had requested you to consider the followings:

1) Pass an Act in State Assembly to declare UCE as a “Unitary University” (like Revensaw Univ.)
2) Transfer the free Government land of 400 acers adjacent to UCE campus to UCE.
3) Hike the annual grant to UCE to Rs 15 crore.
4) Give a special “Infrastructure Development Grant” of Rs 100 crore to UCE spread over three years.

We painfully recall that in 2004, our college was the choice of State Government for becoming “IIT”. But, when center agreed to give “IIT”, it was shifted to Jatni. You have written MHRD for making UCE an “NIT”, but we see least possibility of this as the new NITs will go to the states which don’t have NIT now. Therefore, “Unitary University” is the only feasible route for upgrading UCE. We have sought an appointment with Hon’ble Chief Minister, but unfortunately we are not heard.

The students of UCE have never fought for their self. We never come out in support of any such strike by other BPUT  students demanding withdrawal of year-back system or so. Our fight is for the prestige and ‘swabhimaan’ of our college. If we are not assured of fulfillment of our legitimate demand by 21st of Aug,08. we will be constrained to take any step that may be required to fulfill it. We will be forced to come out to street and paralyze entire Sambalpur region including the Railways & National Highways. The people across the civic society, student unions of other institutes & political parties have already come forward to participate in our agitation. If this does not attract to notice , we will march to Bhubaneswar and ‘gherao’ the State Assembly and seek explanation from the representatives of people who will assemble there. Yet, we believe, such moments will not come; you will definitely fulfill our legitimate aspiration.
Warm regards,

Students, UCE, Burla

Copy to: Sri Jayanarayan Mishra, Hon’ble Minister of commerce & Transport
Sri Prasanna Acharaya, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Sambalpur Constituency
Sri Kishore Mohanty, Hon’ble Speaker, Orissa Assembly
Sri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Deogarh Constituency
Smt Pramila Bohidar,MP Rajya Sabha
Sri Sanatan Bishi,Hon’ble Health Minister
Sri Surender Lath, MP Rajya Sabha
The Revenue Divisional Commissioner, Northen Division, Sambalpur
The Collector & District Magistrate, Sambalpur
The Incharge, Police Station, Burla
Superintendent of Police, Sambalpur
Vice-Chancellor, BPUT
Industry Minister, Govt. of Orissa
Industry Secretary, Govt. Of Orissa
Principal, UCE Burla

—————————–

This is a just demand. When and if the students get a chance to meet the CM and/or the govt.officials they must request that UCE Burla must be molded in the model of CUSAT, BESU (both are state universities) and the plan in Maharastra and UP to have state funded universities at the level of an IIT. Besides the demand mentioned in the above letter, to make UCE Burla really a top institution some additional steps need to be taken. For example: 

• It should be allowed to hire faculty from all over India (not just from Orissa or Oriyas); and have the payscale of NITs and IITs.

• Its seats should be doubled but a significant percent (say 30% or perhaps 50%) should be open to all India admission either through AIEEE or IIT JEE.  Because of the doubling of the seats students of Orissa will not lose out.
• In other words, mold it like an NIT or IIT and it will one day be picked to get that level. (This is the same strategey that was done with, say, Institute of Physics, which was made like a central institute, and after some years, it was picked up by the central govt. Similarly, CUSAT takes students from all over India.)

1 comment August 22nd, 2008

UCE Burla has submitted its Deemed University application

Its listed in http://www.ugc.ac.in/notices/proposals18-7-08.pdf. Its proposal number  F. 9-41/2008-U.3(A) was received 9th July, 2008.

2 comments August 12th, 2008

Other Engineering college clusters in Orissa

Berhampur:

1. Gandhi Institute of Industrial Technology Berhampur (GII) Pvt.
2. Kalam Institute of Technology, Berhampur Berhampur (KIB) Pvt.
3. National Institute of Science and Technology Palur Hills, Berhampur (NST) Pvt.
4. Roland Institute of Technology Surya Vihar, Berhampur (RIT) Pvt.
5. Sanjaya Memorial Institute of Technology Chandipadar, Berhampur (SMT) Pvt.
6. Vignan Institute of Technology & Management Berhampur (VIT) Pvt.
7. IIIT Berhampur (planned)
8. Parla Maharaj Engineering College (planned) 
9. Rahul Institute of Engineering & Technology Thatadapalli Village, Kotharsing (P.O.) Konisi Tahasil, Berhampur, Ganjam (D. T.) Orissa (planned)

Rourkela-Sundergarh:

1. Padmanava College of Engineering Rourkela (PCE) Pvt.
2. Purushottam Institute of Engineering & Technology Mandiakudar, Rourkela (PIE) Pvt.
3. Sundargarh Engineering College sundargarh (SUN) Pvt.
4. NIT Rourkela
5. Rourkela Institute of Technology At P.O. Kuarmunda, District : Sundergarh Pin 770039 Orissa (planned)

Balasore-Bhadrakh:

1. Balasore College of Engineering & Technology Balasore (BCE) Pvt.
2. Bhadrak Institute of Engineering & Technology Barapada, Bhadrak (BIT) Pvt.
3. Modern Engineering & Management Studies Balasore (MEM) Pvt.
4. Satyasai Engineering College Balasore (SAT) Pvt.
5. Vijayanjali Institute of Technology At Gadabhanga No. 4 P.O. Khantapara, District : Balasore 756043 Orissa (planned)

Gunupur-Rayagada:

1. Gandhi Institute of Engineering & Technology Gunupur (GIT) Pvt.
2. Gandhi Institute of Science and Technology Rayagada (GIR) Pvt.
3. Institute of Advanced Computer & Research Rayagada (IAC) Pvt.
4. Majhighariani Institute of Technology and Science Rayagada (MIT) Pvt.

Sambalpur-Baragarh-Jharsuguda:

1. Black Diamond College of Engineering & Technology Jharsuguda (BDC) Pvt.
2. Padmashree Krutartha Acharya College of Engineering Bargarh (PKA) Pvt.
3. University College of Engineering Burla (UCE) Govt.

Angul-Talcher:

1. Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology Sarang (IGT) Govt.
2. Adarsha College of Engineering At Saradhapur, P.O. Kumurisingha Dist : Angul, Pin 759122 Orissa (planned)

Koraput-Jeypore:

1. Gopal Krushna College of Engineering & Technology Jeypore (GCE) Pvt.
2. Samanta Chandra Sekhar Institute of Technology & Management Semiliguda, Koraput (SCS) Pvt.

Others:

1. Jagannath Institute of Technology & Management Paralakhemundi (JIP) Pvt.
2. Orissa School of Mining Engineering Keonjhar (OSM) Govt.
3. Seemanta Engineering College Jharpokharia, Mayurbhanj (SEC) Pvt.

9 comments August 3rd, 2008

CM writes to HRDM to make UCE Burla an NIT

Following is from a report in Pioneer.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday wrote a letter to the Union Ministry of Human Resources, demanding that Burla Engineering College be accorded National Institute of Technology (NIT) status. In his letter to Union Minister of HRD Arjun Singh, the CM said the institution which was established in 1956 in an area of 200 acres, is one of the premier engineering institutes of the State. The institute provides facilities for nearly 500 students.

Following is from Dharitri.

Following are excerpts from a report in Pragativadi.

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday urged the Union Human Resources Development ministry to accord National Institute of Technology (NIT) status to the Burla Engineering College. 

… It may be mentioned here that there was a vociferous demand for converting the Burla Engineering College to Indian Institute of Technology soon after the Centre’s announcement to set up an IIT in Orissa.

Later, a delegation of the Old Students’ Forum, led by Sambalpur MLA and commerce and transport minister Jayanarayan Mishra had met the chief minister and submitted a memorandum to this effect.

But the state government later expressed its reluctance in this regard as it wanted the IIT location near Bhubaneswar.

The chief minister, however, urged the Centre to accord the NIT status to the premiere engineering college.

Justifying his contention, Patnaik said that the college has been providing education in nine subjects including the BTech while it has got the necessary infrastructure facility for MCA, IT and other IT related courses.

Considering the fact that the college has the reputation of imparting quality education, the chief minister said that there should be no difficulty to accord NIT status to this college.

It may be mentioned here that the former Regional Engineering College at Rourkela has already been accorded with the NIT status.

This is a good step as there are plans to have 10 more NITs during the 11th plan.

2 comments August 3rd, 2008

17+1 New Engineering Colleges in Orissa that are admitting students this year through BPUT counseling

Update on August 31, 2008: Subas institute of Technology, Barang starts admitting students from August 29th in the OSGE (Outside state general) category.

The following is obtained by looking at the counseling list at http://www.jeeorissa.com/availability_of_seats.asp.

• Apex Institute of Technology & Management, Pahal Bhubaneshwar (APT) Pvt.
• Bhubaneswar Engineering College Khurda (BEC) Pvt.
• Black Diamond College of Engineering & Technology Jharsuguda (BDC) Pvt.
• BRM International Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar (BII) Pvt.
• Centurian Institute of Technology Khurda (CIK) Pvt.
• Gandhi Institute of Industrial Technology Berhampur (GII) Pvt.
• Gandhi Institute of Science and Technology Rayagada (GIR) Pvt.
• Gandhi Institute of Technology & Management Khurda (GIK) Pvt.
• Gurukul Institute of Technology,Janla Bhubaneswar (GKT) Pvt.
• Hi-Tech Institute of Technology Khurda (HIT) Pvt.
• Indic Institute of Design & Research Khurda (IID) Pvt.
• Kalam Institute of Technology, Berhampur Berhampur (KIB) Pvt.
• Koustav Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar (KIT) Pvt.
• Maharaja Institute of Technology,Bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar (MIK) Pvt.
• Modern Engineering & Management Studies Balasore (MEM) Pvt.
• Modern Institute of Technology & Management Khurda (MIM) Pvt.
• Vignan Institute of Technology & Management Berhampur (VIT) Pvt.

The above 17 colleges include 11 colleges in the Bhubaneswar-Khurda-Cuttack area, 3 in Berhempur area, 1 in Balasore, 1 in Jharsuguda and 1 in Rayagada. This takes the total number of engineering colleges, that admit students via BPUT JEE,  to 58. It does not include ITER, KIIT, NIT Rourkela, IIIT Bhubaneswar, IIT Bhubaneswar, CIPET and Agricultural Engineering at OUAT.

36 comments July 19th, 2008