Sambad, March 3, 2012
Showing posts with label KU. Show all posts
Showing posts with label KU. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Centra Agriculture University Demanded
Note: Thanks to Prof. Chitta Baral for sharing this and his proactive initiative. Agami Odisha has taken a leading role, our sincere thanks to the team for taking this issue. Hope all of us in Odisha take this issue together for establishing a Central Agriculture University in Kalahandi.
Sambad, March 3, 2012
Sambad, March 3, 2012
Monday, March 28, 2011
Move to shift wagon factory from K’handi sparks resentment
The Pioneer, March 28, 2011
SWARNENDU PATTNAIK, Dharamgarh
Of late, the people of Kalahandi district are an apprehensive lot after getting the information that the proposed rail wagon industry promised by Railway Minister Mamata Banarjee is likely to be shifted from the district to Ganjam.
According to sources, the Railway Minister has assured local MP Bhakta Charan Das to set up rail wagon industry in the district in Parliament but other sources said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, meanwhile, has written a letter to Mamata Banerjee proposing to set up rail wagon industry in Ganjam district.
Kalahandi is one of the country’s most poverty-stricken districts. Huge funds pumped in for development of poor have not yielded fruitful results.
The political leadership as the past is now suspected again to fail to bring the rail wagon factory like the Central University was shifted from Kalahandi to Koraput.
The Chief Minister during his visit to Kalahandi recently was presented with a memorandum by the aggrieved political parties, intellectual forums, different organisations, demanding to recommend the Central Government to set up the proposed rail wagon industry in the district.
However, sources said the Chief Minister has not yet taken any steps on the demand of the locals and this has triggered resentment and a feeling that the district again will be betrayed.
SWARNENDU PATTNAIK, Dharamgarh
Of late, the people of Kalahandi district are an apprehensive lot after getting the information that the proposed rail wagon industry promised by Railway Minister Mamata Banarjee is likely to be shifted from the district to Ganjam.
According to sources, the Railway Minister has assured local MP Bhakta Charan Das to set up rail wagon industry in the district in Parliament but other sources said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, meanwhile, has written a letter to Mamata Banerjee proposing to set up rail wagon industry in Ganjam district.
Kalahandi is one of the country’s most poverty-stricken districts. Huge funds pumped in for development of poor have not yielded fruitful results.
The political leadership as the past is now suspected again to fail to bring the rail wagon factory like the Central University was shifted from Kalahandi to Koraput.
The Chief Minister during his visit to Kalahandi recently was presented with a memorandum by the aggrieved political parties, intellectual forums, different organisations, demanding to recommend the Central Government to set up the proposed rail wagon industry in the district.
However, sources said the Chief Minister has not yet taken any steps on the demand of the locals and this has triggered resentment and a feeling that the district again will be betrayed.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Copy of forwarded letter from PMO for appropriate action to HRD Ministry on Tribal University Off Campus
Copy of Email Letter Sent on Dec 4, 2010
Dear esteemed Prime Minister Dr Singh,
In July 2009 I was informed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, as per attached letter, that
“on receipt of letter from late Sri Bikram Keshari Deo, former member of Parliament about the locating of the Central University of Orissa in Kalahandi district instead of Koraput district as recommended by the state Government, the Ministry of Human Resource Development had decided that Indira Gandhi National Tribal University could consider establishment of one of its off-campuses in Kalahandi district during the 11th plan period, subject to availability of sources”.
Central University is an emotional issue for the people of Kalahandi since over two decades. People of Kalahandi were first to raise such a demand in Orissa. Many protest letters and memorandums have been submitted by people in this respect to both the central and state Governments since past decade.
Though initially promised by the Chief Minister of Orissa, Orissa state Government played foul at the last moment and recommended for location of central university of Orissa at Koraput instead of Kalahandi when Kalahandi is the central location among KBK districts and has better train communication to most of the major cities in India.
Orissa state Government’s apathy towards Kalahandi has recently increased as the district has opted for Congress Party by electing maximum percentage of MLAs from congress party from any district in Orissa presently. The leader of opposition in Orissa assembly comes from the district and local MP Bhakta Charan Das won in highest margin of vote among any elected congress candidate in Orissa.
Kalahandi district is well known for backwardness and about 30% of its population is tribal and 15 % population is scheduled caste. It is also centrally located not only among KBK districts but also among all the tribal dominated districts in Orissa such as KBK, Kandhamal, Boudh, Gajapati and Bargarh, justifying itself as ideal location for branch of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University in Orissa .
As we are now towards the end of 11th plan period, I request you to kindly consider establishing an off-campus of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University in Kalahandi in the academic year 2011-12.
Thank you and warm regards,
Yours sincerely
Madhusmita Panda
Friday, March 18, 2011
Like varsity, proposed K'handi rail wagon unit a mirage!
The Pioneer, March 18, 2011
PIONEER NEWS SERVICE, DHARAMGARH
An aura of apprehensions writ large over the faces of the people of Kalahandi district here anticipating that the venue of the proposed Rail Wagon Factory is going to meet the same fate of the Central University.
Sources confided that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has, meanwhile, written a letter to Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee to set up the proposed rail wagon project in Ganjam district instead, represented by him while Didi has assured Kalahandi MP and her former counterpart Bhakta Charan Das in the Parliament for Kalahandi as it has earned a dubious distinction at the national level for being one of the country's most poverty-ridden districts.
Needless to mention that despite the huge flow of funds over the years for the development of the district, poverty still stares in the face yielding no fruitful results yet.
The main cause can be attributed to lack of political will, able leadership and MLAs and MPs being at loggerheads following which the past bitter experience has already been evident in the case of setting-up of the Central University that got unfortunately shifted from Kalahandi to Koraput even though both being a part and parcel of the so-called favoured triangle of the KBK region.
Moreover, the Chief Minister, during his visit to Kalahandi recently, was presented a memorandum by the aggrieved political parties, intellectual forums and different organisations here reiterating the mass demand and urging him to recommend for the setting-up of the proposed rail wagon factory in Kalahandi.
However, reliable sources revealed that Naveen has not yet taken any steps in this direction and has rather recommended for his own home turf Ganjam for the project following which a strong wave of resentment is brewing among the people across the district here as yet another betrayal is looming large like that of the Central University.
PIONEER NEWS SERVICE, DHARAMGARH
An aura of apprehensions writ large over the faces of the people of Kalahandi district here anticipating that the venue of the proposed Rail Wagon Factory is going to meet the same fate of the Central University.
Sources confided that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has, meanwhile, written a letter to Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee to set up the proposed rail wagon project in Ganjam district instead, represented by him while Didi has assured Kalahandi MP and her former counterpart Bhakta Charan Das in the Parliament for Kalahandi as it has earned a dubious distinction at the national level for being one of the country's most poverty-ridden districts.
Needless to mention that despite the huge flow of funds over the years for the development of the district, poverty still stares in the face yielding no fruitful results yet.
The main cause can be attributed to lack of political will, able leadership and MLAs and MPs being at loggerheads following which the past bitter experience has already been evident in the case of setting-up of the Central University that got unfortunately shifted from Kalahandi to Koraput even though both being a part and parcel of the so-called favoured triangle of the KBK region.
Moreover, the Chief Minister, during his visit to Kalahandi recently, was presented a memorandum by the aggrieved political parties, intellectual forums and different organisations here reiterating the mass demand and urging him to recommend for the setting-up of the proposed rail wagon factory in Kalahandi.
However, reliable sources revealed that Naveen has not yet taken any steps in this direction and has rather recommended for his own home turf Ganjam for the project following which a strong wave of resentment is brewing among the people across the district here as yet another betrayal is looming large like that of the Central University.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Letter of Professor G B Behera to the Chairman of Higher Education Task Force Govt of Odisha
NOTE: Although initially when the proposal was submitted South Western Odisha University was proposed by intelectuals of Kalahandi, now many of us feel Odisha University would be more appropriate and people of Kalahandi will be happy to name as Odisha University over South Western Odisha University. Indravati and Mahakantara name could also be seriously considered.
To
The Chairman, Task Force for HE
Bhubaneswar.
Sub: Establishment of a University at Kalahandi.
Sir,
I may be permitted to bring to your kind notice regarding our long standing continuous and constant appeal for establishment of a University at Kalahandi, the center of KBK districts. This appeal of the people of Kalahandi dates back to 1990 which started with a feeble voice and with time has strengthened into a mega voice.
The knowledge commission has said,’ the transformation of economy and society in the 21st century would depend in significant part, on the spread and quality of education among the people, particularly in the sphere of higher education”.(recommendation of the NKC: Report to the Nation-2006, p-19) They have recommended establishment of 1500 universities in India to bring a gross enrolment ratio of at least 15% by 2015 since they have observed that no country could become an economically advanced country, if the enrolment ratio in HE is less than 20%. The enrolment ratio in Odisha is 8.71%. They have recommended, “… some clusters of affiliated colleges could also become universities.” (loc cit-p. 43). They have further said,” The need is for smaller Universities which are responsive to change and easier to manage and these should be created.” ( loc cit P-45). Investment in higher education makes a vital contribution to accelerate the process and rate of economic growth, through increasing human productivity.
We have made several efforts (given below) peacefully in this direction to achieve our goal.
1. Memorandum submitted to the CM on 14.01.2002.
2. Our late honorable MP presented a memorandum personally to the CM
3. Submitted a copy to the NDA Govt.(Hon’ able PM and Minister HRD) and also to the State govt.(Hon’ able CM and minister HE)
4. Submitted a copy to UPA Govt. (Hon’ able PM, Srimati Soniaji, Minister HRD, Vice-Chairman Planning Commission, Chairman Knowledge commission) and also to the State govt. (Hon’ able CM and Minister HE).
5. A petition to this effect has been submitted to the honorable speaker, Loksabha
6. Some of our NROs have written to the CM and also to the center justifying the establishment of a University at Kalahandi
7. A wave of silent movement moved across the entire district and as a result copies of one para appeal signed by more than 80.000 people sent separately to Honorable PM, HRD Minister, CM, Minister HE. This wave also inspired about 4000 individuals to write post cards to these four distinguished offices separately.
8. The Hon ‘able CM was kind enough in granting an audience to a delegate headed by four honorable MLAs, some educationists and some senior citizens of Kalahandi to discuss about the feasibility and justification for establishment of a university at Kalahandi. The Hon’ able CM was very kind in listening and discussing the issue. His response appeared positive to the people.
9. A delegation of 40 people representing Kalahandi met the CM on 12.08.08 and presented (perhaps in vain!) before him through a CD consisting all aspects of available infrastructure.
People of Kalahandi have never adopted violent methods bringing about a loss to the Nation to ventilate their genuine demand. They have tried to follow the principles of non-violence and dignity. This district is also a Naxal free zone till now.
INFRASTRUCTURAL FACILITIES:
1. Government land (Site 1) worth more than 500 acres. The Govt.(A) College has about 50 acres of land and about 30-40 acres can be acquired adjacent to it (site 2).
2. The railway line at Kesinga and the airport at Utkela are about 8 kms from site 1. The new railway station (Lanjigarh-Junagarh line) is close to this site.
3. The water facility is excellent.
4. The road facilities are also very good. Bhawanipatna-Khariar highway in one side, Pradhanmantri Sadak is on another side.
5. The site with hills and lakes is a picturesque one.
6. Bhawanipatna is at the central zone of KBK. The concept of KBK started with Kalahandi but is getting continuously neglected.
7. If the state of odisha is peeled into two, the centre of one is Bhawanipatna
and the other is Bhubaneswar.
Thus Kalahandi deserves the establishment of a State University so that a leveled play field is created.
ACADEMIC OUTLINES FOR THE PROPOSED UNIVERSITY
1. The university can introduce 5 year course with a lateral movement after three years (Like NISER).
2. The University may have a few constituent colleges (Like Govt. Autonomous College, Bhawanipatna) and some affliated colleges.
3. Interdisciplinary courses can start from the beginning. Students can take up credit courses in different departments as per the advice of a committee. Thus the boundaries between disciplines acting as dividing walls must collapse since knowledge is developing at the intersection of disciplines.
4. The present law college can be a part of the university, but with a 5 years course structure since law degree has started playing an important role now.
5. The University shall have M.Phil and Ph.D programmes with a course work.
NAME OF THE UNIVERSITY
One of the following names can be chosen for the university.
1 INDRAVATI UNIVERSITY
River Indravati is perhaps the longest river with a source from Kalahandi. She has brought economic development to the area. The Indravati civilization is yet to be brought to the notice of the people through research.
2. SOUTH-WESTERN UNIVERSITY (SWU)
3. MAHAKANTAR UNIVERSITY ( MU).
Mahakantar is a historical name of the area.
Yours faithfully, (G.B.Behera)
President
Encl:
Four pictures showing the geographical importance of Kalahandi.
This document is approved in a meeting of the intellectuals held on13.03.10 in the premises of Kalahandi Lekhak Kala Parishad.
To
The Chairman, Task Force for HE
Bhubaneswar.
Sub: Establishment of a University at Kalahandi.
Sir,
I may be permitted to bring to your kind notice regarding our long standing continuous and constant appeal for establishment of a University at Kalahandi, the center of KBK districts. This appeal of the people of Kalahandi dates back to 1990 which started with a feeble voice and with time has strengthened into a mega voice.
The knowledge commission has said,’ the transformation of economy and society in the 21st century would depend in significant part, on the spread and quality of education among the people, particularly in the sphere of higher education”.(recommendation of the NKC: Report to the Nation-2006, p-19) They have recommended establishment of 1500 universities in India to bring a gross enrolment ratio of at least 15% by 2015 since they have observed that no country could become an economically advanced country, if the enrolment ratio in HE is less than 20%. The enrolment ratio in Odisha is 8.71%. They have recommended, “… some clusters of affiliated colleges could also become universities.” (loc cit-p. 43). They have further said,” The need is for smaller Universities which are responsive to change and easier to manage and these should be created.” ( loc cit P-45). Investment in higher education makes a vital contribution to accelerate the process and rate of economic growth, through increasing human productivity.
We have made several efforts (given below) peacefully in this direction to achieve our goal.
1. Memorandum submitted to the CM on 14.01.2002.
2. Our late honorable MP presented a memorandum personally to the CM
3. Submitted a copy to the NDA Govt.(Hon’ able PM and Minister HRD) and also to the State govt.(Hon’ able CM and minister HE)
4. Submitted a copy to UPA Govt. (Hon’ able PM, Srimati Soniaji, Minister HRD, Vice-Chairman Planning Commission, Chairman Knowledge commission) and also to the State govt. (Hon’ able CM and Minister HE).
5. A petition to this effect has been submitted to the honorable speaker, Loksabha
6. Some of our NROs have written to the CM and also to the center justifying the establishment of a University at Kalahandi
7. A wave of silent movement moved across the entire district and as a result copies of one para appeal signed by more than 80.000 people sent separately to Honorable PM, HRD Minister, CM, Minister HE. This wave also inspired about 4000 individuals to write post cards to these four distinguished offices separately.
8. The Hon ‘able CM was kind enough in granting an audience to a delegate headed by four honorable MLAs, some educationists and some senior citizens of Kalahandi to discuss about the feasibility and justification for establishment of a university at Kalahandi. The Hon’ able CM was very kind in listening and discussing the issue. His response appeared positive to the people.
9. A delegation of 40 people representing Kalahandi met the CM on 12.08.08 and presented (perhaps in vain!) before him through a CD consisting all aspects of available infrastructure.
People of Kalahandi have never adopted violent methods bringing about a loss to the Nation to ventilate their genuine demand. They have tried to follow the principles of non-violence and dignity. This district is also a Naxal free zone till now.
INFRASTRUCTURAL FACILITIES:
1. Government land (Site 1) worth more than 500 acres. The Govt.(A) College has about 50 acres of land and about 30-40 acres can be acquired adjacent to it (site 2).
2. The railway line at Kesinga and the airport at Utkela are about 8 kms from site 1. The new railway station (Lanjigarh-Junagarh line) is close to this site.
3. The water facility is excellent.
4. The road facilities are also very good. Bhawanipatna-Khariar highway in one side, Pradhanmantri Sadak is on another side.
5. The site with hills and lakes is a picturesque one.
6. Bhawanipatna is at the central zone of KBK. The concept of KBK started with Kalahandi but is getting continuously neglected.
7. If the state of odisha is peeled into two, the centre of one is Bhawanipatna
and the other is Bhubaneswar.
Thus Kalahandi deserves the establishment of a State University so that a leveled play field is created.
ACADEMIC OUTLINES FOR THE PROPOSED UNIVERSITY
1. The university can introduce 5 year course with a lateral movement after three years (Like NISER).
2. The University may have a few constituent colleges (Like Govt. Autonomous College, Bhawanipatna) and some affliated colleges.
3. Interdisciplinary courses can start from the beginning. Students can take up credit courses in different departments as per the advice of a committee. Thus the boundaries between disciplines acting as dividing walls must collapse since knowledge is developing at the intersection of disciplines.
4. The present law college can be a part of the university, but with a 5 years course structure since law degree has started playing an important role now.
5. The University shall have M.Phil and Ph.D programmes with a course work.
NAME OF THE UNIVERSITY
One of the following names can be chosen for the university.
1 INDRAVATI UNIVERSITY
River Indravati is perhaps the longest river with a source from Kalahandi. She has brought economic development to the area. The Indravati civilization is yet to be brought to the notice of the people through research.
2. SOUTH-WESTERN UNIVERSITY (SWU)
3. MAHAKANTAR UNIVERSITY ( MU).
Mahakantar is a historical name of the area.
Yours faithfully, (G.B.Behera)
President
Encl:
Four pictures showing the geographical importance of Kalahandi.
This document is approved in a meeting of the intellectuals held on13.03.10 in the premises of Kalahandi Lekhak Kala Parishad.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Request Letter to Prime Minister for Indira Gandhi National Tribal University campus by Madhusmita Panda
Dec 3, 2010
NOTE: File attached.
Dear esteemed Prime Minister Dr Singh,
In July 2009 I was informed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, as per attached letter, that
“on receipt of letter from late Sri Bikram Keshari Deo, former member of Parliament about the locating of the Central University of Orissa in Kalahandi district instead of Koraput district as recommended by the state Government, the Ministry of Human Resource Development had decided that Indira Gandhi National Tribal University could consider establishment of one of its off-campuses in Kalahandi district during the 11th plan period, subject to availability of sources”.
Central University is an emotional issue for the people of Kalahandi since over two decades. People of Kalahandi were first to raise such a demand in Orissa. Many protest letters and memorandums have been submitted by people in this respect to both the central and state Governments since past decade.
Though initially promised by the Chief Minister of Orissa, Orissa state Government played foul at the last moment and recommended for location of central university of Orissa at Koraput instead of Kalahandi when Kalahandi is the central location among KBK districts and has better train communication to most of the major cities in India.
Orissa state Government’s apathy towards Kalahandi has recently increased as the district has opted for Congress Party by electing maximum percentage of MLAs from congress party from any district in Orissa presently. The leader of opposition in Orissa assembly comes from the district and local MP Bhakta Charan Das won in highest margin of vote among any elected congress candidate in Orissa.
Kalahandi district is well known for backwardness and about 30% of its population is tribal and 15 % population is scheduled caste. It is also centrally located not only among KBK districts but also among all the tribal dominated districts in Orissa such as KBK, Kandhamal, Boudh, Gajapati and Bargarh, justifying itself as ideal location for branch of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University in Orissa .
As we are now towards the end of 11th plan period, I request you to kindly consider establishing an off-campus of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University in Kalahandi in the academic year 2011-12.
Thank you and warm regards,
Yours sincerely
Madhusmita Panda
NOTE: File attached.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Central varsity; a forgotten chapter
Tathya.in, Sept 30, 2010
Koraput:30/September/2010
After lot of agitation and pressure on the Government of India, Odisha got its share of a Central University.
The Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD) allowed the Central University of Odisha to be placed at Koraput.
Though it was expected to be established at Bhawanipatna, insistence of Odisha Government forced MHRD to allow it at Koraput.
Then Professor (Dr.) Surabhi Banerjee was appointed Vice Chancellor of the University.
After that the Executive Council was formed with luminaries like Professor M S Swaminathan, Professor M R Madhav Menon, Professor M M Salunkhe, Professor Pramod Tandon, Professor Sushanta Dattagupta and few others.
Today the Executive Council is meeting at New Delhi for its’ sixth meeting.
The Executive Council never met at Koraput during last 2 years.
And it always meets either at Bhubaneswar or New Delhi.
Vice Chancellor spends most of her time commuting between Kolkota-New Delhi-Bhubaneswar.
Hardly she visits Koraput and takes stock of the situation, lamented an insider.
Registrar of the University sits at Bhubaneswar and Financial Advisor is also following the foot steps of the Registrar.
And students are left to themselves with faculty members to take care of the situation.
Problems are galore and for day to day difficulties there is nobody to take care of as the VC and Registrar stays hundreds of miles away.
This is the only University in the country, where such type of arrangements are tolerated, rued a leading educationist.
Leading Non Resident Odias(NRO), those who were creating tremendous pressure on the Central Government to establish the varsity seemed to have sealed their lips, laments he.
And the Minister Higher Education is yet to visit the campus for a detailed study of the problems faced by the students.
He came for inauguration of the University along with Union Minister HRD Kapil Sibal.
Hardly Government of Odisha consulted by the CUO authorities and establishment of its’ permanent campus at Koraput is hanging in balance, said sources.
Now nobody seems bothered about the affairs of the only Central University of the State, which has turned out to be a forgotten chapter, lamented he.
2 yrs on, Central Varsity of Odisha still neglected
Oct 1, 2010,
Pioneer News Service, Koraput
After a lot of agitation and pressure on the Government of India, Odisha got its share of a Central University about two years back. The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) allowed the Central University of Odisha to be located at Koraput.
Though it was expected to be established in Bhawanipatna, the Kalahandi district headquarters, the State Government’s insistence forced the MHRD to set it up at Koraput. Then, Professor Surabhi Banerjee was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the university. After that, the university’s executive council was formed with luminaries like MS Swaminathan, MR Madhav Menon, MM Salunkhe, Pramod Tandon, Sushanta Dattagupta and a few others as its members.
But the executive council, which held its sixth meeting in New Delhi on Thursday, has never met at Koraput during the last two years. The meeting is held either in Bhubaneswar or New Delhi. The Vice-Chancellor spends most of her time commuting between Kolkota, New Delhi and Bhubaneswar. She hardly visits Koraput and takes stock of the situation.
The Registrar of the university sits at Bhubaneswar and Financial Advisor is also following in the footsteps of the Registrar. And students are left to themselves with faculty members to take care of the situation. Problems are galore and for day-to-day difficulties there is nobody to take care of as the VC and Registrar stay hundreds of miles away.
This is the only university in the country where such type of arrangements are tolerated, rued a leading educationist. Leading non-resident Odias (NROs), who were creating tremendous pressure on the Central Government to establish the university, seem to have sealed their lips, lamented he. And the State’s Minister Higher Education is yet to visit the campus for a detailed study of the problems faced by the students. He had come here only for the inauguration of the university along with Union HRD Minister Kapil Sibal.
The State Government is hardly consulted by the university authorities, and establishment of the university’s permanent campus here is hanging in balance, said sources.
Koraput:30/September/2010
After lot of agitation and pressure on the Government of India, Odisha got its share of a Central University.
The Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD) allowed the Central University of Odisha to be placed at Koraput.
Though it was expected to be established at Bhawanipatna, insistence of Odisha Government forced MHRD to allow it at Koraput.
Then Professor (Dr.) Surabhi Banerjee was appointed Vice Chancellor of the University.
After that the Executive Council was formed with luminaries like Professor M S Swaminathan, Professor M R Madhav Menon, Professor M M Salunkhe, Professor Pramod Tandon, Professor Sushanta Dattagupta and few others.
Today the Executive Council is meeting at New Delhi for its’ sixth meeting.
The Executive Council never met at Koraput during last 2 years.
And it always meets either at Bhubaneswar or New Delhi.
Vice Chancellor spends most of her time commuting between Kolkota-New Delhi-Bhubaneswar.
Hardly she visits Koraput and takes stock of the situation, lamented an insider.
Registrar of the University sits at Bhubaneswar and Financial Advisor is also following the foot steps of the Registrar.
And students are left to themselves with faculty members to take care of the situation.
Problems are galore and for day to day difficulties there is nobody to take care of as the VC and Registrar stays hundreds of miles away.
This is the only University in the country, where such type of arrangements are tolerated, rued a leading educationist.
Leading Non Resident Odias(NRO), those who were creating tremendous pressure on the Central Government to establish the varsity seemed to have sealed their lips, laments he.
And the Minister Higher Education is yet to visit the campus for a detailed study of the problems faced by the students.
He came for inauguration of the University along with Union Minister HRD Kapil Sibal.
Hardly Government of Odisha consulted by the CUO authorities and establishment of its’ permanent campus at Koraput is hanging in balance, said sources.
Now nobody seems bothered about the affairs of the only Central University of the State, which has turned out to be a forgotten chapter, lamented he.
2 yrs on, Central Varsity of Odisha still neglected
Oct 1, 2010,
Pioneer News Service, Koraput
After a lot of agitation and pressure on the Government of India, Odisha got its share of a Central University about two years back. The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) allowed the Central University of Odisha to be located at Koraput.
Though it was expected to be established in Bhawanipatna, the Kalahandi district headquarters, the State Government’s insistence forced the MHRD to set it up at Koraput. Then, Professor Surabhi Banerjee was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the university. After that, the university’s executive council was formed with luminaries like MS Swaminathan, MR Madhav Menon, MM Salunkhe, Pramod Tandon, Sushanta Dattagupta and a few others as its members.
But the executive council, which held its sixth meeting in New Delhi on Thursday, has never met at Koraput during the last two years. The meeting is held either in Bhubaneswar or New Delhi. The Vice-Chancellor spends most of her time commuting between Kolkota, New Delhi and Bhubaneswar. She hardly visits Koraput and takes stock of the situation.
The Registrar of the university sits at Bhubaneswar and Financial Advisor is also following in the footsteps of the Registrar. And students are left to themselves with faculty members to take care of the situation. Problems are galore and for day-to-day difficulties there is nobody to take care of as the VC and Registrar stay hundreds of miles away.
This is the only university in the country where such type of arrangements are tolerated, rued a leading educationist. Leading non-resident Odias (NROs), who were creating tremendous pressure on the Central Government to establish the university, seem to have sealed their lips, lamented he. And the State’s Minister Higher Education is yet to visit the campus for a detailed study of the problems faced by the students. He had come here only for the inauguration of the university along with Union HRD Minister Kapil Sibal.
The State Government is hardly consulted by the university authorities, and establishment of the university’s permanent campus here is hanging in balance, said sources.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
PM non-committal on three MPs’ demand for KBK special plan
The Pioneer, Aug 7, 2010
PNS | Bhubaneswar
They waited for three days to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who finally gave then audience for five minutes on Friday. Members of Lok Sabha from the KBK region present the demands of the people of the most backward areas of the country to the Prime Minister.
Congress MPs Pradip Majhi and Bhakta Charan Das and BJD MP Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo met the Prime Minister in his office. All of them demanded an early approval of the Special Action Plan (SAP) for 2009-17 for the KBK region as submitted by the Government of Odisha. The State Government has asked for the Centre's approval of Rs 4,550 crore for the SAP to be spent over eight years. The SAP was submitted in early 2009.
The KBK region having eight districts has been listed at the bottom of the 69 most backward districts of the country by the recent study of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation. So, MPs cutting across party lines came forward to press for an early approval of the SAP.
Singh Deo, MP of Balangir, in a detailed memorandum appreciated the efforts of both the State and Central Governments for paying special attention to KBK since 1995-96. As a result of the initiatives like Long Term Action Plan (LTAP) and other developmental activities, infrastructure, livelihood and other human development indicators have considerably improved. However, he pressed for approval of the SAP, which would help out the area in a big way.
Majhi, MP of Nabarangpur, also sought special irrigation facilities for the KBK region and approval of the SAP. Das, MP from Kalahandi, demanded separate universities for Kalahandi as the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in the area is very low. He also presented a memorandum to the Prime Minister. Das listed out railway lines to be set up between Lanjigarh-Malkangiri and Khurda Road-Balangir, which need to be completed as soon as possible.
The MPs presented a long list of demands; but sources said the Prime Minister was noncommittal over any special dispensation for KBK. Singh heard the MPs patiently and said that money flow to KBK is on. Funding to the region is flowing from the existing KBK funds and BRGF while more recently the special programme for the Maoist-affected areas is being undertaken, he said.
PNS | Bhubaneswar
They waited for three days to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who finally gave then audience for five minutes on Friday. Members of Lok Sabha from the KBK region present the demands of the people of the most backward areas of the country to the Prime Minister.
Congress MPs Pradip Majhi and Bhakta Charan Das and BJD MP Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo met the Prime Minister in his office. All of them demanded an early approval of the Special Action Plan (SAP) for 2009-17 for the KBK region as submitted by the Government of Odisha. The State Government has asked for the Centre's approval of Rs 4,550 crore for the SAP to be spent over eight years. The SAP was submitted in early 2009.
The KBK region having eight districts has been listed at the bottom of the 69 most backward districts of the country by the recent study of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation. So, MPs cutting across party lines came forward to press for an early approval of the SAP.
Singh Deo, MP of Balangir, in a detailed memorandum appreciated the efforts of both the State and Central Governments for paying special attention to KBK since 1995-96. As a result of the initiatives like Long Term Action Plan (LTAP) and other developmental activities, infrastructure, livelihood and other human development indicators have considerably improved. However, he pressed for approval of the SAP, which would help out the area in a big way.
Majhi, MP of Nabarangpur, also sought special irrigation facilities for the KBK region and approval of the SAP. Das, MP from Kalahandi, demanded separate universities for Kalahandi as the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in the area is very low. He also presented a memorandum to the Prime Minister. Das listed out railway lines to be set up between Lanjigarh-Malkangiri and Khurda Road-Balangir, which need to be completed as soon as possible.
The MPs presented a long list of demands; but sources said the Prime Minister was noncommittal over any special dispensation for KBK. Singh heard the MPs patiently and said that money flow to KBK is on. Funding to the region is flowing from the existing KBK funds and BRGF while more recently the special programme for the Maoist-affected areas is being undertaken, he said.
CM urged to set up varsity in Kalahandi
The Pioneer, Aug 7, 2010
PNS | Bhubaneswar
People of Kalahandi are grateful to the Naveen Patnaik Government for having granted establishment of two professional institutions for the first time. Retired professor of Sambalpur University Gopabandhu Behera, in his letter to the Chief Minister, has lauded his initiative to set up institutions in this backward part of the State.
Never before had the Government started any institution of higher education of its own, said Prof Behera. People of Kalahandi have set up all institutions on their own despite their hand-to-mouth financial conditions. This shows people's participation was always there.
However, the people are not able to establish institutions like university and management institutes. Prof Behera reminds that leading persons of Kalahandi had moved for establishment of a central university in the district. But the Chief Minister was good enough to point out that since he had already committed to Koraput district for establishment of this university he would sanction other institutions for Kalahandi.
The Task Force on Higher Education has recommended establishment of a South Western Odisha (SWO) University at the Kalahandi district headquarters town of Bhawanipatna.
Prof Behera says that if one examines objectively, he will find that Bhawanipatna is another centre like Bhubaneswar waiting for development. The recommendation of the Task Force can be implemented phase-wise. Hence, establishment of a university at Bhawanipatna has to be undertaken in the first phase. If a suitable Officer on Special Duty (OSD) is appointed, the university can flourish, observes Prof Behera.
Prof Digambara Patra, a leading non-resident Odia (NRO) has also all along been batting for this university in Bhawanipatna.
PNS | Bhubaneswar
People of Kalahandi are grateful to the Naveen Patnaik Government for having granted establishment of two professional institutions for the first time. Retired professor of Sambalpur University Gopabandhu Behera, in his letter to the Chief Minister, has lauded his initiative to set up institutions in this backward part of the State.
Never before had the Government started any institution of higher education of its own, said Prof Behera. People of Kalahandi have set up all institutions on their own despite their hand-to-mouth financial conditions. This shows people's participation was always there.
However, the people are not able to establish institutions like university and management institutes. Prof Behera reminds that leading persons of Kalahandi had moved for establishment of a central university in the district. But the Chief Minister was good enough to point out that since he had already committed to Koraput district for establishment of this university he would sanction other institutions for Kalahandi.
The Task Force on Higher Education has recommended establishment of a South Western Odisha (SWO) University at the Kalahandi district headquarters town of Bhawanipatna.
Prof Behera says that if one examines objectively, he will find that Bhawanipatna is another centre like Bhubaneswar waiting for development. The recommendation of the Task Force can be implemented phase-wise. Hence, establishment of a university at Bhawanipatna has to be undertaken in the first phase. If a suitable Officer on Special Duty (OSD) is appointed, the university can flourish, observes Prof Behera.
Prof Digambara Patra, a leading non-resident Odia (NRO) has also all along been batting for this university in Bhawanipatna.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Member Lok Sabha from Kalahandi demanded separate universities for Kalahandi to the Prime Minister
PM non committal on KBK
Tathya.in, New Delhi:6/August/2010
They waited for 3 days to meet the Prime Minister.
And after a long waiting, finally Dr.Man Mohan Singh met them for five minutes.
Members of Lok Sabha from KBK met Dr.Singh here on 6 August to present the demands of the people of the most backward areas of the Country.
Congress MPs, Pradip Majhi, Bhakta Charan Das and BJD MP, Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo met the Prime Minister in his office.
All of them demanded for an early approval of the Special Action Plan(SAP) for KBK Region 2009-17 presented by the Government of Odisha.
The State Government has asked for the approval of Rs.4550 crore SAP to be spent over 8 years during early 2009.
Till date it has not been approved by the Centre.
KBK Region having 08 districts have been listed at the bottom of 69 most backward districts of the country by the recent study of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation.
So MPs cutting across party line came forward to press for the early approval of the SAP.
Mr.Singh Deo, in a detailed memorandum appreciated the efforts of both the State and Central government for paying special attention to KBK Region since 1995-96.
As a result of the initiatives like Long Term Action Plan and other developmental activities infrastructure, livelihood and other human development indicators have considerably improved.
However he pressed for 8-year long SAP approval, which will help out the area in a big way, said Mr.Singh Deo.
Mr.Majhi, Lok Sabha MP of Nabarangpur also asked for special irrigation facilities for the KBK Region and approval of the SAP.
Mr.Das, Member Lok Sabha from Kalahandi demanded separate universities for Kalahandi as the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in the area is very low.
He also presented a memorandum to the Prime Minister, said sources.
Mr.Das listed out railway lines to be set up between Lanjigarh-Malkangiri and Khurda Road-Balangir, which need to be completed as soon as possible.
They presented a long list of demands; however, sources said that the Prime Minister was non-committal over any special dispensation for KBK.
Dr.Singh heard them patiently and said that money flow to KBK is on.
Funding to KBK Region is flowing from KBK funds, BRGF and more recently special program for Maoist affected areas are being taken up.
Tathya.in, New Delhi:6/August/2010
They waited for 3 days to meet the Prime Minister.
And after a long waiting, finally Dr.Man Mohan Singh met them for five minutes.
Members of Lok Sabha from KBK met Dr.Singh here on 6 August to present the demands of the people of the most backward areas of the Country.
Congress MPs, Pradip Majhi, Bhakta Charan Das and BJD MP, Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo met the Prime Minister in his office.
All of them demanded for an early approval of the Special Action Plan(SAP) for KBK Region 2009-17 presented by the Government of Odisha.
The State Government has asked for the approval of Rs.4550 crore SAP to be spent over 8 years during early 2009.
Till date it has not been approved by the Centre.
KBK Region having 08 districts have been listed at the bottom of 69 most backward districts of the country by the recent study of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation.
So MPs cutting across party line came forward to press for the early approval of the SAP.
Mr.Singh Deo, in a detailed memorandum appreciated the efforts of both the State and Central government for paying special attention to KBK Region since 1995-96.
As a result of the initiatives like Long Term Action Plan and other developmental activities infrastructure, livelihood and other human development indicators have considerably improved.
However he pressed for 8-year long SAP approval, which will help out the area in a big way, said Mr.Singh Deo.
Mr.Majhi, Lok Sabha MP of Nabarangpur also asked for special irrigation facilities for the KBK Region and approval of the SAP.
Mr.Das, Member Lok Sabha from Kalahandi demanded separate universities for Kalahandi as the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in the area is very low.
He also presented a memorandum to the Prime Minister, said sources.
Mr.Das listed out railway lines to be set up between Lanjigarh-Malkangiri and Khurda Road-Balangir, which need to be completed as soon as possible.
They presented a long list of demands; however, sources said that the Prime Minister was non-committal over any special dispensation for KBK.
Dr.Singh heard them patiently and said that money flow to KBK is on.
Funding to KBK Region is flowing from KBK funds, BRGF and more recently special program for Maoist affected areas are being taken up.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Urge to expedite K'varsity
Tathya.in, July 30, 2010
Bhawanipatna:30/July/2010
The people of Kalahandi are really grateful to the Naveen Patnaik Government to have granted establishment of two professional institutions for the first time.
Professor Gopa Bandhu Behera, retired professor from Sambalpur University in his letter to the Chief Minister has lauded his initiative to set up institutions in this part of the state.
Never before the Government had started any institution of Higher Education Institution of their own, said Prof.Behera.
The people of Kalahandi have started all institutions on their own with their hand-to-mouth financial situation.
People's participation was always there.
However the people are not able to dare for institutions like University, management institutes etc.
Prof. Behera has reminded that they had moved for the establishment of the Central University.
But the Chief Minister was good enough to say that since he has committed for Koraput he will sanction other institutions.
The Task force has recommended establishment of SWO University at Bhawanipatna.
Prof.Behera said that the present Government is an objective Government.
If one examine objectively, he will find that Bhawanipatna is another centre (Bhubaneswar being one) waiting for development.
The recommendation of the Task Force on Higher Education can be operated phase-wise.
Hence the establishment of a University at Bhawanipatna has to be in the first phase.
This opinion has also been affirmed in OSA at California, USA.
If a suitable OSD is appointed the University can flourish, observed Professor Behera.
A good job done in forming a Task Force under the Chairmanship of a great physicist, Dr. Trilochan Pradhan should not go in vain, said he.
Professor Digambara Patra, a leading NRO was all along bating for the varsity and now another leading educationist of Western Odisha has added his might for the new Centre of Higher Learning in the most educationally backward area of the state.
Bhawanipatna:30/July/2010
The people of Kalahandi are really grateful to the Naveen Patnaik Government to have granted establishment of two professional institutions for the first time.
Professor Gopa Bandhu Behera, retired professor from Sambalpur University in his letter to the Chief Minister has lauded his initiative to set up institutions in this part of the state.
Never before the Government had started any institution of Higher Education Institution of their own, said Prof.Behera.
The people of Kalahandi have started all institutions on their own with their hand-to-mouth financial situation.
People's participation was always there.
However the people are not able to dare for institutions like University, management institutes etc.
Prof. Behera has reminded that they had moved for the establishment of the Central University.
But the Chief Minister was good enough to say that since he has committed for Koraput he will sanction other institutions.
The Task force has recommended establishment of SWO University at Bhawanipatna.
Prof.Behera said that the present Government is an objective Government.
If one examine objectively, he will find that Bhawanipatna is another centre (Bhubaneswar being one) waiting for development.
The recommendation of the Task Force on Higher Education can be operated phase-wise.
Hence the establishment of a University at Bhawanipatna has to be in the first phase.
This opinion has also been affirmed in OSA at California, USA.
If a suitable OSD is appointed the University can flourish, observed Professor Behera.
A good job done in forming a Task Force under the Chairmanship of a great physicist, Dr. Trilochan Pradhan should not go in vain, said he.
Professor Digambara Patra, a leading NRO was all along bating for the varsity and now another leading educationist of Western Odisha has added his might for the new Centre of Higher Learning in the most educationally backward area of the state.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Letter to PM: Concept Note of Innovation Universities
Orissadiary.com, July 10, 2010
To
Dr. Manmohan Singh, honourable Prime Minister of India
cc
Smt. Partibha Patil, honourable President of India
Smt. Sonia Gandhi, honourable UPA chairperson
Mr. L. K. Advani, honourable leader of opposition
Mr. Kapil Sibal, honourable union minister of Human Resource Development
Mr. Naveen Patnaik, honourable Chief Minister of Orissa
Members of Parliament from Orissa
Dear Honorable Prime Minister Dr Singh,
Referring to the “Concept Note” published by MHRD for public debate and wider consultation [1,2] on proposed innovation universities:
(1) Innovation Universities focusing on cutting-edge research rather than teaching sounds rash. Primary goal of any University is education. Research institutions focus only on research. India has built many research institutions focusing solely on research in various disciplines rather than teaching since 1960s onwards. CSIR, DAE, & DBT Labs, JNCAR, TIFR, NCBS are good examples. Many educationalists privately admit that except few cases most of research institutions failed to live up to the expectations. Many such research labs have renamed themselves in past few years and are inclined to include teaching (master & doctorate) program along the line of research interest [3], which is welcome. Innovation universities focusing on research based education will be more appropriate to advance in the scientific and technological inventions in the world class level by fulfilling the long term national goal.
(2) Making innovation universities completely for specific areas such as for technological solutions of urban problems [4], energy [5], climate change, law [6] etc needs to be revaluated. Most of them are interrelated. Additionally why not to have an innovation university for technological solutions for rural problems and agriculture locating in a semi-urban rural area? Large part of the country depends on agriculture; most of the Indian population lives in rural area. Importantly food and biofuel demand could be a challenging national issue in coming years.
(3) National institutions for professional degrees have attracted good students due to better employment opportunities in the national level. Because of tough screening test in the national level, only good students could enter many of the national institutions for which these institutions irrespective of their locations could able to make an impact in the national/international level compared to any general University in India. IIT Kharagpur or Roorkiee still do well as par with IITs in metros. Similarly NIT Rourkela or Warangal performs much ahead of many other technical colleges (except IITs) in metros in the national ranking of technical colleges [7]. So location rarely played any role rather than it’s solely the quality of students the institution has taken through best possible way. Such institutions still could fulfil the aim of world class need if administrative changes are brought in the right direction. For legal education few of the existing National Law Universities across the nation could be reformed rather than establishing a completely new innovation university for the same.
(4) In true sense India has very selected comprehensive universities like BHU where all disciplines are taught and researched in one campus. There are suggestions for IITs and NITs in this direction [8]. Though current research interest needs multidisciplinary approach, many of human resource need still largely confined to traditional degrees. In this contest it is quite necessary to have all the discipline in one campus to give a wide selection of subject for students/faculties for multidimensional education and research.
(5) Most of the state universities failed to attract good students due to (a) non inclusion of professional courses such as engineering, medicine etc in their campuses and (b) establishment of professional institutions and college independently in the state and national level. University such as BHU, Pune University, Andhra University etc that included professional subjects in one campus or university such as Anna University, Jadabpur University, Coachin University of Science & Technology etc established exclusively for professional courses have done relatively well in the national level compared to universities primarily focusing on general degrees in science & arts. Funding is also other main constrain to excel in research for most of the state universities. A central university (like in Hyderabad) or IIT gets substantial amount of funds for research & education compared to any state University (which gets like peanuts). Recently MHRD has realized this issue and preparing to address the problem through different grant schemes for state universities [9]. Definitely it is appreciable. But if the state Universities and other institutions may get enough fund and could be prepared themselves to bring administrative reform, then they would excel in education and research in the world class level.
(6) Many world class institutions such as Penstate University, Cornell University, University of Michigan, Illinois University at Urbana-Champaign, University of Gottingen, Heidelberg University, etc are made in small rural towns. Most of them are university based towns serving the interest of innovation and creativity in research and education in the world class level. Why can’t India make few innovation universities in this line? When MIT or Harvard University was established in Boston it was a small town like Bhawanipatna in Orissa, now it is an educational hub and industrially developed city in USA (despite having a population, about 700,000, much smaller than many major cities in USA). In Indian case when NIT (formerly REC) Rourkela was established, Rourkela used to be a very small rural area, population much less than that of then Bhawanipatna town in Orissa. Today due to SAIL and NIT, Rourkela is much ahead of Bhawanipatna in terms of education, industry, growth and is the second most populous urban area in Orissa. If visualized properly tomorrow place like Bhawanipatna, dist head quarter of Kalahandi, which already has train connections to many major cities in India, National Highways and an airport (Raipur) within 200 km (location resembling to Penstate University or University of Gottingen), could emerge as Boston of India. Similarly many such locations could be found in other states of India having rail and NH connectivity and an airport in few hours of 200-250 km.
(7) An excellent research and teaching institutions always bring industrial development and encourages a knowledge based city/environment in the periphery. Good examples are Boston, San Francisco, Bangalore, Pune, Chennai etc. However, unlike Boston, San Farncisco etc environmental and infrastructure stress being generated for major fast growing cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, Pune, Kolkata, Bhopal, Guwahati, Delhi, Chennai, Gandhinagar-Ahemadabad, etc in India are equally alarming and challenging. When multiple existing institutions, both state & central, in these locations could deliver fully in terms of quality if steps are taken, then why India needs to create many similar institutions in the same locality or city? Like 2nd campus proposal of IISc [10], innovation universities could rather be pillar for many least deserved regions without having similar facilities as mentioned above to bring development in those localities across the nation. For overall and inclusive growth, India needs at least 100 small towns distributing geographically across the nation to bring social balance and reduce rural mass migration.
Indeed this is in the line of knowledge commission recommendation to have more number of universities across India. India has 626 districts and substantial number of public funded central institutions. A public funded either central/innovation University or institution like IIT/NIT/IIIT/AIIMS/IISER/NISER/NIPER/ Medical College/etc. in each district of India in long run could be easily achieved.
Concept of innovation universities should broaden the idea in the national level simultaneously bringing world class into the local level in interior land. It should also focus to make world class for already established institution in metro/cities.
Thanking you
Best regards
Digambara Patra
1. Innovation Universities: As on May 21, 2010 (Published in MHRD website)
http://www.education.nic.in/dmu/DMU-14.pdf
2. Concept Note of Innovation Universities Aiming at World Class Standard, Published in MHRD website, dated May 21, 2010
http://www.education.nic.in/uhe/Universitiesconceptnote.pdf
3. Indian Express, June 18, 2010
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/cabinet-clears-way-for-varsities-in-tribal-areas-to-hike-st-quota/635402/0
4. The Hindu, December 16, 2009
http://beta.thehindu.com/education/article65947.ece
5. Economic Times, June 3, 2010
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/services/education/US-institutions-to-partner-for-proposed-innovation-varsities/articleshow/6008075.cms
6. Hindustan Times, July 2, 2010
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Sibal-moots-innovation-varsity-in-PPP-mode-for-legal-research/Article1-566257.aspx
7. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engineering_college_rankings_in_India
8. The New Indian Express, May 18, 2010
http://expressbuzz.com/cities/bangalore/iits-to-soon-venture-into-other-domains/174348.html
9. Times of India, Patna, May 17, 2010
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Patna/DST-to-sanction-handsome-grants-to-science-depts/articleshow/5938674.cms
10. Sify.com (Business Standard, May 3, 2010)
http://sify.com/finance/iisc-s-second-campus-to-come-up-in-karnataka-news-default-kfdba0aicjd.html
Digambara Patra, Ph.D
Assistant Professor
Department of Chemistry
American University of Beirut
Beirut, Lebanon
Email: digpatra@yahoo.com
To
Dr. Manmohan Singh, honourable Prime Minister of India
cc
Smt. Partibha Patil, honourable President of India
Smt. Sonia Gandhi, honourable UPA chairperson
Mr. L. K. Advani, honourable leader of opposition
Mr. Kapil Sibal, honourable union minister of Human Resource Development
Mr. Naveen Patnaik, honourable Chief Minister of Orissa
Members of Parliament from Orissa
Dear Honorable Prime Minister Dr Singh,
Referring to the “Concept Note” published by MHRD for public debate and wider consultation [1,2] on proposed innovation universities:
(1) Innovation Universities focusing on cutting-edge research rather than teaching sounds rash. Primary goal of any University is education. Research institutions focus only on research. India has built many research institutions focusing solely on research in various disciplines rather than teaching since 1960s onwards. CSIR, DAE, & DBT Labs, JNCAR, TIFR, NCBS are good examples. Many educationalists privately admit that except few cases most of research institutions failed to live up to the expectations. Many such research labs have renamed themselves in past few years and are inclined to include teaching (master & doctorate) program along the line of research interest [3], which is welcome. Innovation universities focusing on research based education will be more appropriate to advance in the scientific and technological inventions in the world class level by fulfilling the long term national goal.
(2) Making innovation universities completely for specific areas such as for technological solutions of urban problems [4], energy [5], climate change, law [6] etc needs to be revaluated. Most of them are interrelated. Additionally why not to have an innovation university for technological solutions for rural problems and agriculture locating in a semi-urban rural area? Large part of the country depends on agriculture; most of the Indian population lives in rural area. Importantly food and biofuel demand could be a challenging national issue in coming years.
(3) National institutions for professional degrees have attracted good students due to better employment opportunities in the national level. Because of tough screening test in the national level, only good students could enter many of the national institutions for which these institutions irrespective of their locations could able to make an impact in the national/international level compared to any general University in India. IIT Kharagpur or Roorkiee still do well as par with IITs in metros. Similarly NIT Rourkela or Warangal performs much ahead of many other technical colleges (except IITs) in metros in the national ranking of technical colleges [7]. So location rarely played any role rather than it’s solely the quality of students the institution has taken through best possible way. Such institutions still could fulfil the aim of world class need if administrative changes are brought in the right direction. For legal education few of the existing National Law Universities across the nation could be reformed rather than establishing a completely new innovation university for the same.
(4) In true sense India has very selected comprehensive universities like BHU where all disciplines are taught and researched in one campus. There are suggestions for IITs and NITs in this direction [8]. Though current research interest needs multidisciplinary approach, many of human resource need still largely confined to traditional degrees. In this contest it is quite necessary to have all the discipline in one campus to give a wide selection of subject for students/faculties for multidimensional education and research.
(5) Most of the state universities failed to attract good students due to (a) non inclusion of professional courses such as engineering, medicine etc in their campuses and (b) establishment of professional institutions and college independently in the state and national level. University such as BHU, Pune University, Andhra University etc that included professional subjects in one campus or university such as Anna University, Jadabpur University, Coachin University of Science & Technology etc established exclusively for professional courses have done relatively well in the national level compared to universities primarily focusing on general degrees in science & arts. Funding is also other main constrain to excel in research for most of the state universities. A central university (like in Hyderabad) or IIT gets substantial amount of funds for research & education compared to any state University (which gets like peanuts). Recently MHRD has realized this issue and preparing to address the problem through different grant schemes for state universities [9]. Definitely it is appreciable. But if the state Universities and other institutions may get enough fund and could be prepared themselves to bring administrative reform, then they would excel in education and research in the world class level.
(6) Many world class institutions such as Penstate University, Cornell University, University of Michigan, Illinois University at Urbana-Champaign, University of Gottingen, Heidelberg University, etc are made in small rural towns. Most of them are university based towns serving the interest of innovation and creativity in research and education in the world class level. Why can’t India make few innovation universities in this line? When MIT or Harvard University was established in Boston it was a small town like Bhawanipatna in Orissa, now it is an educational hub and industrially developed city in USA (despite having a population, about 700,000, much smaller than many major cities in USA). In Indian case when NIT (formerly REC) Rourkela was established, Rourkela used to be a very small rural area, population much less than that of then Bhawanipatna town in Orissa. Today due to SAIL and NIT, Rourkela is much ahead of Bhawanipatna in terms of education, industry, growth and is the second most populous urban area in Orissa. If visualized properly tomorrow place like Bhawanipatna, dist head quarter of Kalahandi, which already has train connections to many major cities in India, National Highways and an airport (Raipur) within 200 km (location resembling to Penstate University or University of Gottingen), could emerge as Boston of India. Similarly many such locations could be found in other states of India having rail and NH connectivity and an airport in few hours of 200-250 km.
(7) An excellent research and teaching institutions always bring industrial development and encourages a knowledge based city/environment in the periphery. Good examples are Boston, San Francisco, Bangalore, Pune, Chennai etc. However, unlike Boston, San Farncisco etc environmental and infrastructure stress being generated for major fast growing cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, Pune, Kolkata, Bhopal, Guwahati, Delhi, Chennai, Gandhinagar-Ahemadabad, etc in India are equally alarming and challenging. When multiple existing institutions, both state & central, in these locations could deliver fully in terms of quality if steps are taken, then why India needs to create many similar institutions in the same locality or city? Like 2nd campus proposal of IISc [10], innovation universities could rather be pillar for many least deserved regions without having similar facilities as mentioned above to bring development in those localities across the nation. For overall and inclusive growth, India needs at least 100 small towns distributing geographically across the nation to bring social balance and reduce rural mass migration.
Indeed this is in the line of knowledge commission recommendation to have more number of universities across India. India has 626 districts and substantial number of public funded central institutions. A public funded either central/innovation University or institution like IIT/NIT/IIIT/AIIMS/IISER/NISER/NIPER/ Medical College/etc. in each district of India in long run could be easily achieved.
Concept of innovation universities should broaden the idea in the national level simultaneously bringing world class into the local level in interior land. It should also focus to make world class for already established institution in metro/cities.
Thanking you
Best regards
Digambara Patra
1. Innovation Universities: As on May 21, 2010 (Published in MHRD website)
http://www.education.nic.in/dmu/DMU-14.pdf
2. Concept Note of Innovation Universities Aiming at World Class Standard, Published in MHRD website, dated May 21, 2010
http://www.education.nic.in/uhe/Universitiesconceptnote.pdf
3. Indian Express, June 18, 2010
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/cabinet-clears-way-for-varsities-in-tribal-areas-to-hike-st-quota/635402/0
4. The Hindu, December 16, 2009
http://beta.thehindu.com/education/article65947.ece
5. Economic Times, June 3, 2010
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/services/education/US-institutions-to-partner-for-proposed-innovation-varsities/articleshow/6008075.cms
6. Hindustan Times, July 2, 2010
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Sibal-moots-innovation-varsity-in-PPP-mode-for-legal-research/Article1-566257.aspx
7. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engineering_college_rankings_in_India
8. The New Indian Express, May 18, 2010
http://expressbuzz.com/cities/bangalore/iits-to-soon-venture-into-other-domains/174348.html
9. Times of India, Patna, May 17, 2010
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Patna/DST-to-sanction-handsome-grants-to-science-depts/articleshow/5938674.cms
10. Sify.com (Business Standard, May 3, 2010)
http://sify.com/finance/iisc-s-second-campus-to-come-up-in-karnataka-news-default-kfdba0aicjd.html
Digambara Patra, Ph.D
Assistant Professor
Department of Chemistry
American University of Beirut
Beirut, Lebanon
Email: digpatra@yahoo.com
Monday, June 14, 2010
Naveen Governemnt is obstacle for development of Kalahandi District: Bhakta Das
Samaja, June 10, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
An innovation university on technology solutions for solving problems in rural India
To
Shri Kapil Sibal, Honorable Minister of Human Resource Development
CC
Dr Manmohan Singh, Honorable Prime Minister of India
Smt Sonia Gandhi, Honorable UPA Chairperson
MPs from Orissa
Media
Dear Shri Sibal,
As per your recent statement proposed 14 innovation universities in India will concentrate on specific areas in research and development.
And some of the US varsities are likely to extend their expertise in setting up of some of the innovation universities in India, such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology could partner with the government for setting up an innovation university in energy sector [1]. Earlier it was also mentioned that one of them could be on the area of city development which will work on technology solutions for urban planning [2].
70% of rural India depends on agriculture and have various kinds of rural problems in infrastructure, planning, education and industries. Rural India also needs easy access to quality education. Limiting developmental initiative in state capitals & surrounding regions in India is encouraging mass rural migration to cities, affecting rural economy dramatically and making metros/larger cities over populated, polluted and stressed. Mass migration from Kalahandi and over crowed, polluted and stressful metro cities such as Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bangalore is well evident. This must be controlled for larger interest of the nation.
An Innovation University in Kalahandi on the area of agriculture, forest and rural development could be very helpful in this regard. This university could focus on technology solutions for solving problems in rural India, agriculture, forestry and horticulture which will reduce mass rural migration to major cities. Kalahandi is primary agriculture and forest based society and 90% people directly or indirectly depends on agriculture, horticulture and forest.
In environmental point of view, it is better India develops small cities distributed geographically to become tomorrow's major cities, so that people who live and work there will enjoy life and work like in Boston or San Fransico rather than complaining for everything, from local trains, pollution, stress to rain water.
In no way Mumbai/Bangalore/Bhubaneswar is comparable to Boston in any world class facilities at this moment. Why it is required to borrow a solution from a problem in the Unites States of America; such as requirement of airport, attracting outstanding faculties etc; to solve local problems in India, which are many diverse in nature? Unfortunately, our policy makers are just doing the same.
When MIT was established, Boston had hardly 180,000 populations, today it could be about 620,000. Similarly, when University of Goettingen was established more than 250 years ago, there was nothing except a rural village, today the city is known for University and Max Plank Research institutions producing more than 40 Nobel Prize winners, the population could be about 120,000 presently. It may not be number uno like Harvard, but still its considered world class and far better than any institution present in India at this moment. Yesterday's rural place has emerged as a University & research institution based small urban city. Many technology based industries have come up in the region boosting the local economy in the surrounding area. In this scenario a small town in Kalahandi or Bundelkhand could emerged as tomorrow’s Goettingen.
Once TIFR was visualized to become a top world class research institution in India, similarly IACS had produced Sir C V Raman, both located in major metro cities in India having rail, road and airport necessary to attract outstanding faculties and students, and have an experience of more than 60-80 years by this time, now researchers know where these institutions stand internationally in quality research.
If good faculties are interested to serve in India, they will join with good opportunities and facilities in research and teaching whether such institution is established in Delhi or Kalahandi though initially there could be few difficulties like any new institution but with time it will be overcome, but if good faculties are not interested they will work in abroad whether it is established in Delhi or Kalahandi. There are many young faculties who are still rejecting possibilities of offers from IISc, IITs, TIFR, etc located in Indian metros & Trier II cities when they receive offer even from a small University located in rural place in Europe or America. Recently a young faculty after serving 5 years in one of the TIFR institutions in Bangalore even left for National University Singapore, this is what the ground picture in India. Why any outstanding faculty will prefer Mumbai/Delhi over Boston/Oxford/ Singapore?
I urge an innovation university should be established in Kalahandi to concentrate specific on technology solutions towards rural problems including agriculture. Similarly, half of the innovation universities should be located in small semi-urban towns distributed geographically across the nation such as Kalahandi, Budelkhand, etc whereas other half could be located in Trier II cities as proposed earlier.
Thank you and best regards
Digambara Patra
1. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/services/education/US-institutions-to-partner-for-proposed-innovation-varsities/articleshow/6008075.cms
(Stored at: http://kalahandia.blogspot.com/2010/06/us-institutions-to-partner-for-proposed.html)
2. http://beta.thehindu.com/education/article65947.ece
(Stored at: http://kalahandia.blogspot.com/2009/12/thanks-to-kapil-sibal-for-hearing-on.html)
Shri Kapil Sibal, Honorable Minister of Human Resource Development
CC
Dr Manmohan Singh, Honorable Prime Minister of India
Smt Sonia Gandhi, Honorable UPA Chairperson
MPs from Orissa
Media
Dear Shri Sibal,
As per your recent statement proposed 14 innovation universities in India will concentrate on specific areas in research and development.
And some of the US varsities are likely to extend their expertise in setting up of some of the innovation universities in India, such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology could partner with the government for setting up an innovation university in energy sector [1]. Earlier it was also mentioned that one of them could be on the area of city development which will work on technology solutions for urban planning [2].
70% of rural India depends on agriculture and have various kinds of rural problems in infrastructure, planning, education and industries. Rural India also needs easy access to quality education. Limiting developmental initiative in state capitals & surrounding regions in India is encouraging mass rural migration to cities, affecting rural economy dramatically and making metros/larger cities over populated, polluted and stressed. Mass migration from Kalahandi and over crowed, polluted and stressful metro cities such as Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bangalore is well evident. This must be controlled for larger interest of the nation.
An Innovation University in Kalahandi on the area of agriculture, forest and rural development could be very helpful in this regard. This university could focus on technology solutions for solving problems in rural India, agriculture, forestry and horticulture which will reduce mass rural migration to major cities. Kalahandi is primary agriculture and forest based society and 90% people directly or indirectly depends on agriculture, horticulture and forest.
In environmental point of view, it is better India develops small cities distributed geographically to become tomorrow's major cities, so that people who live and work there will enjoy life and work like in Boston or San Fransico rather than complaining for everything, from local trains, pollution, stress to rain water.
In no way Mumbai/Bangalore/Bhubaneswar is comparable to Boston in any world class facilities at this moment. Why it is required to borrow a solution from a problem in the Unites States of America; such as requirement of airport, attracting outstanding faculties etc; to solve local problems in India, which are many diverse in nature? Unfortunately, our policy makers are just doing the same.
When MIT was established, Boston had hardly 180,000 populations, today it could be about 620,000. Similarly, when University of Goettingen was established more than 250 years ago, there was nothing except a rural village, today the city is known for University and Max Plank Research institutions producing more than 40 Nobel Prize winners, the population could be about 120,000 presently. It may not be number uno like Harvard, but still its considered world class and far better than any institution present in India at this moment. Yesterday's rural place has emerged as a University & research institution based small urban city. Many technology based industries have come up in the region boosting the local economy in the surrounding area. In this scenario a small town in Kalahandi or Bundelkhand could emerged as tomorrow’s Goettingen.
Once TIFR was visualized to become a top world class research institution in India, similarly IACS had produced Sir C V Raman, both located in major metro cities in India having rail, road and airport necessary to attract outstanding faculties and students, and have an experience of more than 60-80 years by this time, now researchers know where these institutions stand internationally in quality research.
If good faculties are interested to serve in India, they will join with good opportunities and facilities in research and teaching whether such institution is established in Delhi or Kalahandi though initially there could be few difficulties like any new institution but with time it will be overcome, but if good faculties are not interested they will work in abroad whether it is established in Delhi or Kalahandi. There are many young faculties who are still rejecting possibilities of offers from IISc, IITs, TIFR, etc located in Indian metros & Trier II cities when they receive offer even from a small University located in rural place in Europe or America. Recently a young faculty after serving 5 years in one of the TIFR institutions in Bangalore even left for National University Singapore, this is what the ground picture in India. Why any outstanding faculty will prefer Mumbai/Delhi over Boston/Oxford/ Singapore?
I urge an innovation university should be established in Kalahandi to concentrate specific on technology solutions towards rural problems including agriculture. Similarly, half of the innovation universities should be located in small semi-urban towns distributed geographically across the nation such as Kalahandi, Budelkhand, etc whereas other half could be located in Trier II cities as proposed earlier.
Thank you and best regards
Digambara Patra
1. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/services/education/US-institutions-to-partner-for-proposed-innovation-varsities/articleshow/6008075.cms
(Stored at: http://kalahandia.blogspot.com/2010/06/us-institutions-to-partner-for-proposed.html)
2. http://beta.thehindu.com/education/article65947.ece
(Stored at: http://kalahandia.blogspot.com/2009/12/thanks-to-kapil-sibal-for-hearing-on.html)
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Conflicting report about Indira Gandhi National Tribal University campus: Orissa CM does not favor Kalahandi at all
Note: As per the information provided to Prof. Gopa Bandhu Behera there was a meeting towards the end of April (probably April 22, 2010) in Amarkantak/Bhopal favoring for a campus of IGNTU Amarkantak in Kalahandi, however, following news report says for similar campus in Phulbani. It seems as usual Orissa Chief Minister is not in favor of Kalahandi for any central Government institution.
Naveen demands special tag for KBK
Tathya.in, May 11, 2010
New Delhi:11/May/2010
Naveen Patnaik has renewed his demand for a Special Category Status for the state in a different way.
Odisha Chief Minister asked Kapil Sibal to accord ‘Special Category Status’ for 11 districts included in the KBK region and Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected Areas for the Schemes of Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD).
Mr.Patnaik and Union Minister for HRD held one-to-one discussion here on 11 May on various developmental issue on HRD Sector.
It came to light that the Union Government has favored for the establishment of a Regional Centre of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) in Odisha.
This was also revealed by Mr.Sibal that Centre has recommended the proposal of the State Government to IGNTU for a Regional Centre at Phulbani.
Mr.Patnaik reminded Union Minister HRD that Odisha is yet to get World Class University declared by MHRD in 2008, after lapse of 2 years.
Mr.Sibal said that now World Class University is rephrased as “Innovation University” and is under active consideration of the Union Government.
In the meeting Mr.Patnaik, discussed various issues of concern for the development of ‘Human Resource’ in the State, particularly in the context of Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RCFCE) Act 2009, Vocational Training and Higher Education.
Chief Minister informed the Union Minister that Orissa, during recent years, has made concerted efforts for improving the educational infrastructure at all levels and for enhancing the technical skills and capabilities of its human resource, with the objective to sustain the development and industrialization process in the State.
He appreciated the support extended by the Union Ministry and emphasized that the magnitude of the task faced by the State has suddenly increased manifold primarily on account of RCFCE Act and the additional requirement of trained and technically qualified manpower necessitated by the on-going industrialization process.
Chief Minister impressed upon the Union Minister that about half of the State is covered by KBK Region and Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas, which have extremely high concentration of the vulnerable population including SCs & STs and the problem is accentuated by the fact that this vulnerable population is dispersed in scattered remote villages.
He emphasized that vulnerable population in these areas require some serious special efforts and there is therefore a strong and justified need to treat KBK/LWE area in the State at par with North Eastern States and other Hill States, for the purpose of all Schemes of MHRD.
Chief Minister requested the Union Minister to consider and approve following specific requests of the State, on priority:
Approve Central-State share in the ratio of 90:10 to implement the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RCFCE) Act 2009 at least for two plan periods
Sanction all ‘school buildings’ and ‘additional class rooms’ as per the requirement of RCFCE Act during 2010-11.
Consider allotting 1/3rd Central share as envisaged under the Scheme for new colleges for up-gradation of existing colleges in 18 low Gross Enrolment Ratio(GER) districts as part of the Model College Scheme
Provide assistance for upgrading Model Degree Colleges in Districts having low Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education
Sanction new Vocational Junior Colleges and strengthen existing Vocational Colleges
Union Minister appreciated the efforts being made by the State to develop its human resource and for efficiently utilizing the Central Government funds.
Mr.Sibal informed that the Union Government was in the process to finalize the arrangement of sharing of funds required to enforce Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RCFCE) Act 2009.
He assured that efforts will be made to minimize the burden on the State.
He advised that the State should take advantage of the Central Scheme for setting up new Degree Colleges in 18 Low Gross Enrolment Ratio Districts.
For developing playgrounds, Union Minister appreciated the suggestion of the State and assured to take up the matter with Ministry of Rural Development to include these under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Naveen demands special tag for KBK
Tathya.in, May 11, 2010
New Delhi:11/May/2010
Naveen Patnaik has renewed his demand for a Special Category Status for the state in a different way.
Odisha Chief Minister asked Kapil Sibal to accord ‘Special Category Status’ for 11 districts included in the KBK region and Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected Areas for the Schemes of Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD).
Mr.Patnaik and Union Minister for HRD held one-to-one discussion here on 11 May on various developmental issue on HRD Sector.
It came to light that the Union Government has favored for the establishment of a Regional Centre of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) in Odisha.
This was also revealed by Mr.Sibal that Centre has recommended the proposal of the State Government to IGNTU for a Regional Centre at Phulbani.
Mr.Patnaik reminded Union Minister HRD that Odisha is yet to get World Class University declared by MHRD in 2008, after lapse of 2 years.
Mr.Sibal said that now World Class University is rephrased as “Innovation University” and is under active consideration of the Union Government.
In the meeting Mr.Patnaik, discussed various issues of concern for the development of ‘Human Resource’ in the State, particularly in the context of Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RCFCE) Act 2009, Vocational Training and Higher Education.
Chief Minister informed the Union Minister that Orissa, during recent years, has made concerted efforts for improving the educational infrastructure at all levels and for enhancing the technical skills and capabilities of its human resource, with the objective to sustain the development and industrialization process in the State.
He appreciated the support extended by the Union Ministry and emphasized that the magnitude of the task faced by the State has suddenly increased manifold primarily on account of RCFCE Act and the additional requirement of trained and technically qualified manpower necessitated by the on-going industrialization process.
Chief Minister impressed upon the Union Minister that about half of the State is covered by KBK Region and Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas, which have extremely high concentration of the vulnerable population including SCs & STs and the problem is accentuated by the fact that this vulnerable population is dispersed in scattered remote villages.
He emphasized that vulnerable population in these areas require some serious special efforts and there is therefore a strong and justified need to treat KBK/LWE area in the State at par with North Eastern States and other Hill States, for the purpose of all Schemes of MHRD.
Chief Minister requested the Union Minister to consider and approve following specific requests of the State, on priority:
Approve Central-State share in the ratio of 90:10 to implement the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RCFCE) Act 2009 at least for two plan periods
Sanction all ‘school buildings’ and ‘additional class rooms’ as per the requirement of RCFCE Act during 2010-11.
Consider allotting 1/3rd Central share as envisaged under the Scheme for new colleges for up-gradation of existing colleges in 18 low Gross Enrolment Ratio(GER) districts as part of the Model College Scheme
Provide assistance for upgrading Model Degree Colleges in Districts having low Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education
Sanction new Vocational Junior Colleges and strengthen existing Vocational Colleges
Union Minister appreciated the efforts being made by the State to develop its human resource and for efficiently utilizing the Central Government funds.
Mr.Sibal informed that the Union Government was in the process to finalize the arrangement of sharing of funds required to enforce Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RCFCE) Act 2009.
He assured that efforts will be made to minimize the burden on the State.
He advised that the State should take advantage of the Central Scheme for setting up new Degree Colleges in 18 Low Gross Enrolment Ratio Districts.
For developing playgrounds, Union Minister appreciated the suggestion of the State and assured to take up the matter with Ministry of Rural Development to include these under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Thursday, March 25, 2010
NRO bats for Central PG medical college in Kalahandi
The Pioneer, March 25, 2010
Pioneer News Service, Bhubaneswar
Appreciating Union Health Minister Gulam Nabi Azad’s recent assurance for 10,000 additional medical post graduates in the nation, Lebanon-based non-resident Odia (NRO) Prof Digambara Patra has urged the Centre to establish a Post Graduate Medical Institute with 1000-bed Super Speciality Hospital having higher medical programmes like MBBS, MD/MS /DM/M.Ch/MDS/Ph.D at Kalahandi in the KBK region in the line of North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute for Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) in Shillong.
Patra, in his letters to Azad, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Chief Minister Naveen Pattnaik, argues that Kalahandi and the KBK region has not yet been given appropriate attention by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare though the region of Odisha is one of the terribly backward pockets in the country with rampant instances of malaria, tuberculosis (TB), et al.
“The region is suffering a lot in tertiary health facilities due to Governmental negligence and ignorance”, he remarks adding hundreds of lives are being lost due to water borne diseases for years and 2007 and 2009 were the worst bringing Kalahandi to both the national and international attention for poorer health care.
Medical facilities are very poor in the region and there is shortage of doctors and health professionals. There is no tertiary health facility in the Kalahandi-Nuapada region and a Postgraduate Medical Institute would immensely benefit Kalahandi and its surrounding pockets, Patra observes.
Bringing home to his point, Patra has pointed out that the Central Government has established North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute for Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) in Shillong realising the importance of health facilities in those hilly terrains and tribal pockets.
“Nothing has been made in Kalahandi/Nuapada and in the KBK region in general which is evaluated worse than the North-Eastern States so far tertiary health facilities are concerned”, the NRO rues adding though the Central Government gives equal importance to the KBK region along with the North-Eastern States in irrigation and social developments, unfortunately in tertiary health facilities, Kalahandi or the KBK region has not yet been given appropriate attention by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Kalahandi is centrally located in the KBK and 200 km radius of it is extremely backward in tertiary health facilities in Odisha including districts like Kandhamal, Boudh, Gajapati and Padampur sub-division as well as the backward Dhamtari, Raipur, Kanker and Bastar districts of adjacent Chhattisgarh. Most of these districts come under tribal backwardness, backward due to hilly areas and drought and recently all these regions are getting more Maoist-infested due to lack of developmental activities in infrastructure and health, Patra further argues.
He also points out that Bhubaneswar is about 500/600 km from Kalahandi/Nuapada and though many Government and private medical colleges including an AIIMS type institution are coming in the State’s capital region, nothing has materialised in Kalahandi/Nuapada so far following which the people of Odisha have also petitioned for a similar institute in Kalahandi.
Such an institute would act as a national hub for higher medical education and research and a nodal centre and referral hospital for existing Government Medical Colleges of all the naxal-affected States, the NRO concludes.
Pioneer News Service, Bhubaneswar
Appreciating Union Health Minister Gulam Nabi Azad’s recent assurance for 10,000 additional medical post graduates in the nation, Lebanon-based non-resident Odia (NRO) Prof Digambara Patra has urged the Centre to establish a Post Graduate Medical Institute with 1000-bed Super Speciality Hospital having higher medical programmes like MBBS, MD/MS /DM/M.Ch/MDS/Ph.D at Kalahandi in the KBK region in the line of North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute for Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) in Shillong.
Patra, in his letters to Azad, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Chief Minister Naveen Pattnaik, argues that Kalahandi and the KBK region has not yet been given appropriate attention by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare though the region of Odisha is one of the terribly backward pockets in the country with rampant instances of malaria, tuberculosis (TB), et al.
“The region is suffering a lot in tertiary health facilities due to Governmental negligence and ignorance”, he remarks adding hundreds of lives are being lost due to water borne diseases for years and 2007 and 2009 were the worst bringing Kalahandi to both the national and international attention for poorer health care.
Medical facilities are very poor in the region and there is shortage of doctors and health professionals. There is no tertiary health facility in the Kalahandi-Nuapada region and a Postgraduate Medical Institute would immensely benefit Kalahandi and its surrounding pockets, Patra observes.
Bringing home to his point, Patra has pointed out that the Central Government has established North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute for Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) in Shillong realising the importance of health facilities in those hilly terrains and tribal pockets.
“Nothing has been made in Kalahandi/Nuapada and in the KBK region in general which is evaluated worse than the North-Eastern States so far tertiary health facilities are concerned”, the NRO rues adding though the Central Government gives equal importance to the KBK region along with the North-Eastern States in irrigation and social developments, unfortunately in tertiary health facilities, Kalahandi or the KBK region has not yet been given appropriate attention by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Kalahandi is centrally located in the KBK and 200 km radius of it is extremely backward in tertiary health facilities in Odisha including districts like Kandhamal, Boudh, Gajapati and Padampur sub-division as well as the backward Dhamtari, Raipur, Kanker and Bastar districts of adjacent Chhattisgarh. Most of these districts come under tribal backwardness, backward due to hilly areas and drought and recently all these regions are getting more Maoist-infested due to lack of developmental activities in infrastructure and health, Patra further argues.
He also points out that Bhubaneswar is about 500/600 km from Kalahandi/Nuapada and though many Government and private medical colleges including an AIIMS type institution are coming in the State’s capital region, nothing has materialised in Kalahandi/Nuapada so far following which the people of Odisha have also petitioned for a similar institute in Kalahandi.
Such an institute would act as a national hub for higher medical education and research and a nodal centre and referral hospital for existing Government Medical Colleges of all the naxal-affected States, the NRO concludes.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
State varsity proposals defy logic
Tathya.in, March 23, 2010
Bhubaneswar:23/March/2010
Educationists are not finding any justification for a State University in Parliakhemundi, while the State Task Force on Higher Education has favoured the same.
While there is a State University at Berhampur, hardly 94 kilometres away, proposal for setting another in the District Headquarters of Gajapati, experts in the field of Higher Education find no rationalization
However there is not a State University in districts like Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Nuapada Kandhamal, Malkangiri and Koraput and Task Force is mum.
If Gajapati is a tribal and backward district, so are the Nuapada, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur which are even further remotely located compared to Gajapati, said Digambara Patra.
Dr.Patra, who teaches in American University of Beirut sees no rhyme and reason behind the recommendations of the Task Force.
In any case Parliakhemundi could be given a State University based on bordering location then why can not be at Nuapada, Dharamgarh or Umarkote?
In addition there would be two State Universities in one undivided district, Ganjam, whereas rest of the 12 undivided district would have either one state University or there won't be any State Universities in those districts.
Question is being raised that if Parliakhemundi have got a Unitary University and Bhawanipatna and Jeypore would have got State Universities or all of them would have got State Universities in South Western Odisha.
Same thing can be said about Bhawanipatna and Balangir in Western Odisha.
Remote and far away locations from present State Universities (Sambalpur/Berhampur) were recommended for Unitary Universities and where as closer locations were recommended for State Universities for their affiliated colleges, which defies logic.
Similarly why three are more specialized Universities such as Medical Education University, Management University and Open University recommended in Cuttack-Bhubaneswar-Puri region.
Cuttack has the specialized National Law University, Bhubaneswar has specialized Utkal University of Culture and OUAT and Puri has specialized Sri Jagganath Sanskrit University, said he.
Besides many national institutions and laboratories are there in their fold.
For inclusive growth within Odisha it would have been nice if SCB Medical College would have been made Unitary University and Medical Education University would have been given to VSS medical college instead of Unitary status.
Similarly Management University could be located in Bhawanipatna in South Western Odisha for KBK-Boudh-Kandhamal region.
And the Open University could come up in Keonjhar in North Odisha for Angul-Keonjhar- Mayurbhanj- Balasore region, said he.
Bhubaneswar:23/March/2010
Educationists are not finding any justification for a State University in Parliakhemundi, while the State Task Force on Higher Education has favoured the same.
While there is a State University at Berhampur, hardly 94 kilometres away, proposal for setting another in the District Headquarters of Gajapati, experts in the field of Higher Education find no rationalization
However there is not a State University in districts like Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Nuapada Kandhamal, Malkangiri and Koraput and Task Force is mum.
If Gajapati is a tribal and backward district, so are the Nuapada, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur which are even further remotely located compared to Gajapati, said Digambara Patra.
Dr.Patra, who teaches in American University of Beirut sees no rhyme and reason behind the recommendations of the Task Force.
In any case Parliakhemundi could be given a State University based on bordering location then why can not be at Nuapada, Dharamgarh or Umarkote?
In addition there would be two State Universities in one undivided district, Ganjam, whereas rest of the 12 undivided district would have either one state University or there won't be any State Universities in those districts.
Question is being raised that if Parliakhemundi have got a Unitary University and Bhawanipatna and Jeypore would have got State Universities or all of them would have got State Universities in South Western Odisha.
Same thing can be said about Bhawanipatna and Balangir in Western Odisha.
Remote and far away locations from present State Universities (Sambalpur/Berhampur) were recommended for Unitary Universities and where as closer locations were recommended for State Universities for their affiliated colleges, which defies logic.
Similarly why three are more specialized Universities such as Medical Education University, Management University and Open University recommended in Cuttack-Bhubaneswar-Puri region.
Cuttack has the specialized National Law University, Bhubaneswar has specialized Utkal University of Culture and OUAT and Puri has specialized Sri Jagganath Sanskrit University, said he.
Besides many national institutions and laboratories are there in their fold.
For inclusive growth within Odisha it would have been nice if SCB Medical College would have been made Unitary University and Medical Education University would have been given to VSS medical college instead of Unitary status.
Similarly Management University could be located in Bhawanipatna in South Western Odisha for KBK-Boudh-Kandhamal region.
And the Open University could come up in Keonjhar in North Odisha for Angul-Keonjhar- Mayurbhanj- Balasore region, said he.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Letter to MHFW: Postgraduate Medical Institute with 1000 bed Super Speciality Hospital in Kalahandi
orissadiary.com, March 19, 2010
To
Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Honorable Minister of Health & Family Welfare
CC
Dr Manmohan Singh, Honroable Prime Minister of India
Smt Sonia Gandhi, Honorable UPA Chairperson
Shri Naveen Patnaik, Honorable Chief Minister of Odisha
MPs from Odisha
Media
Dear Shri Azad,
I appreciate your recent assurance for 10,000 additional medical postgraduates in the nation and draw the following for your kind attention.
KBK region of Odisha is one of the terribly backward pocket in the country with rampant instances of malaria, tuberculosis (TB), etc. Medical facilities are extremely poorer in the region, there are severe shortage of doctors and health professionals in the region, many lives are lost every year due to poor health facilities. There is no tertitary health facilities in Kalahandi-Nuapada region.
Kalahandi is centrally located in KBK. 200 km radius of Bhawanipatna is extremely backward in tertiary health facilities in Odisha including districts like Kandhamal, Boudh, Gajapati and Padampur sub-division apart from all KBK districts of Odisha as well as backward Dhamtari, Raipur (Southern part) Kanker and Bastar disitricts of Chattisgarh. Most of these districts come under tribal backwardness, backward due to hilly areas and drought, and recently all these regions are getting more maoist influenced due to lack of developmental activities in infrastructure and health.
Central Government has established North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute for Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) in Shillong realizing the importance of health facilities in those hilly and tribal pockets, but nothing has been made in Kalahandi/Nuapada region, in the KBK region in general, which is evaluated worst than North Eastern states as per as tertiary health facilities are concerned. Though central Govt. gives equal importance KBK region along with North Eastern states in irrigation and social development, unfortunately in tertiary health facilities Kalahandi or KBK region has not yet given appropriate attention by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Bhubaneswar is about 500/600 km from Kalahandi/Nuapada, though many Govt. and private initiated medical colleges including an AIIMS type institution are coming in Odisha's state capital region nothing has materilized in Kalahandi/Nuapada so far. The region is suffering a lot in tertiary health facilities due to Governmental negligience and ignorance. Hundreds of lives are being lost due to common water born diseases since years in the region, among the years 2007 and 2009 were worst years in recent past bringing Kalahandi to national and international attention for poorer health care.
A Postgraduate Medical Institute would imenesely benefit Kalahandi and its surrounding backward pockets in tertiary health facilities. There has been a serious and contineous demand in Kalahandi/Nuapada region to establish a central Government medical institution and superspeciality hospital in the region.
Recently people of Odisha have also petitioned for a similar institute in Kalahandi.
http://www.petitiononline.com/PGMIK/petition.html
Such institute will act as a national hub for Higher Medical Education and Research and a nodal center and referral hospital for existing Govt. Medical Colleges of all the Naxal affected states specially for Odisha, Chhatisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharastra and Madhya Paradesh. Since Kalahandi is well known for backwardness in health care and centrally located in KBK as well as KBK plus Kandhamal, Boud, Bargarh, Gajapati, Bastar, Dhamtari, Kanker etc districts, it will influnce positively to the whole region and adequate research could be done giving importance to local health care and poor & tribal population.
I hope you will take appropriate step to establish a Postgraduate Medical Institute with 1000 bed Super Speciality Hospital having Higher Medical programmes like MBBS, MD/MS /DM/M.Ch/MDS/Ph.D at Kalhandi in KBK region, one of the most deserving regions of the nation, under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in the line of North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute for Health and Medical Sciences in Shillong.
Thank you and best regards
Digambara Patra, Ph.D
Assistant Professor
Department of Chemistry
American University of Beirut
Beirut, Lebanon
Email: digpatra@yahoo.com
To
Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Honorable Minister of Health & Family Welfare
CC
Dr Manmohan Singh, Honroable Prime Minister of India
Smt Sonia Gandhi, Honorable UPA Chairperson
Shri Naveen Patnaik, Honorable Chief Minister of Odisha
MPs from Odisha
Media
Dear Shri Azad,
I appreciate your recent assurance for 10,000 additional medical postgraduates in the nation and draw the following for your kind attention.
KBK region of Odisha is one of the terribly backward pocket in the country with rampant instances of malaria, tuberculosis (TB), etc. Medical facilities are extremely poorer in the region, there are severe shortage of doctors and health professionals in the region, many lives are lost every year due to poor health facilities. There is no tertitary health facilities in Kalahandi-Nuapada region.
Kalahandi is centrally located in KBK. 200 km radius of Bhawanipatna is extremely backward in tertiary health facilities in Odisha including districts like Kandhamal, Boudh, Gajapati and Padampur sub-division apart from all KBK districts of Odisha as well as backward Dhamtari, Raipur (Southern part) Kanker and Bastar disitricts of Chattisgarh. Most of these districts come under tribal backwardness, backward due to hilly areas and drought, and recently all these regions are getting more maoist influenced due to lack of developmental activities in infrastructure and health.
Central Government has established North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute for Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) in Shillong realizing the importance of health facilities in those hilly and tribal pockets, but nothing has been made in Kalahandi/Nuapada region, in the KBK region in general, which is evaluated worst than North Eastern states as per as tertiary health facilities are concerned. Though central Govt. gives equal importance KBK region along with North Eastern states in irrigation and social development, unfortunately in tertiary health facilities Kalahandi or KBK region has not yet given appropriate attention by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Bhubaneswar is about 500/600 km from Kalahandi/Nuapada, though many Govt. and private initiated medical colleges including an AIIMS type institution are coming in Odisha's state capital region nothing has materilized in Kalahandi/Nuapada so far. The region is suffering a lot in tertiary health facilities due to Governmental negligience and ignorance. Hundreds of lives are being lost due to common water born diseases since years in the region, among the years 2007 and 2009 were worst years in recent past bringing Kalahandi to national and international attention for poorer health care.
A Postgraduate Medical Institute would imenesely benefit Kalahandi and its surrounding backward pockets in tertiary health facilities. There has been a serious and contineous demand in Kalahandi/Nuapada region to establish a central Government medical institution and superspeciality hospital in the region.
Recently people of Odisha have also petitioned for a similar institute in Kalahandi.
http://www.petitiononline.com/PGMIK/petition.html
Such institute will act as a national hub for Higher Medical Education and Research and a nodal center and referral hospital for existing Govt. Medical Colleges of all the Naxal affected states specially for Odisha, Chhatisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharastra and Madhya Paradesh. Since Kalahandi is well known for backwardness in health care and centrally located in KBK as well as KBK plus Kandhamal, Boud, Bargarh, Gajapati, Bastar, Dhamtari, Kanker etc districts, it will influnce positively to the whole region and adequate research could be done giving importance to local health care and poor & tribal population.
I hope you will take appropriate step to establish a Postgraduate Medical Institute with 1000 bed Super Speciality Hospital having Higher Medical programmes like MBBS, MD/MS /DM/M.Ch/MDS/Ph.D at Kalhandi in KBK region, one of the most deserving regions of the nation, under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in the line of North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute for Health and Medical Sciences in Shillong.
Thank you and best regards
Digambara Patra, Ph.D
Assistant Professor
Department of Chemistry
American University of Beirut
Beirut, Lebanon
Email: digpatra@yahoo.com
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
NRO bats for State University in Kalahandi
The Pioneer, March 16, 2010
PNS, Bhubaneswar
Appreciating the Higher Education Task Force’s (HETF) proposal to establish 13 new universities in Odisha, Lebanon-based non-resident Odia (NRO) Prof Digambara Patra has however urged the HETF for recommending in favour of a State University instead of a Unitary one and christening it as Mahakantara University, Indravati University, South Western University.
“Balangir, Angul and Parlakhemundi have been suggested for State University whereas place like Bhawanipatna has been suggested for Unitary University which is surprising based on location, distance and regional requirement of affiliated colleges,” Patra rues.
Arguing that Kalahandi is the central location in the backward South Western Odisha, State University is more appropriate in Bhawanipatna for the benefit of local students in other affiliated colleges in Kalahandi, Nuapada, Kandhamal, Boudh, Rayagada and Nabarangpur region as Parlakhemundi is still very far to serve the affiliated colleges in Nabarangpur.
Earlier, HETF member Prof Chitta Baral had also pointed out justification for establishing new State University in Bhawanipatna in his personal blog, Patra claims adding demand for Unitary University for Government Autonomous College Bhawanipatna was based on merit when there was no proposal for 13 new universities as has been recommended recently by the HETF. Indeed, in the same merit line of GM Autonomous College and Khallikote Autonomous College, Government College Bhawanipatna deserves to be a Unitary University and at the same time a separate State University is required in Bhawanipatna to serve the affiliated college in the backward South Western Odisha, he argues.
“When State universities are made in Parlakhemundi (94 km from Berhampur) and Balangir (120 km from Sambalpur) instead of Unitary, I do not find any rationality why same think could not be made for Bhawanipatna (a central location in the backward South Western Odisha and far away from both Sambalpur University and Berhampur University compared to Balangir and Parliakhemundi respectively),” Prof Patra questions arguing distance between Balangir and Sambalpur is 120 km where as distance between Sambalpur and Bhawanipatna is 235 km, in fact Jaipatana region of Kalahandi will be more than 300 km from Sambalpur.
“When geographically or distance wise close locations are being given State universities instead of Unitary ones and far away locations are bestowed with Unitary University, it does not resolve the primary goal of the affiliated colleges in those remote localities and so also the aim of the task force,” the NRO remarks quipping if distance and regional requirements are not evaluated for affiliated colleges, I do not see why Khallikote Autonomous College or GM Autonomous College are not made State Universities compared to other locations.
PNS, Bhubaneswar
Appreciating the Higher Education Task Force’s (HETF) proposal to establish 13 new universities in Odisha, Lebanon-based non-resident Odia (NRO) Prof Digambara Patra has however urged the HETF for recommending in favour of a State University instead of a Unitary one and christening it as Mahakantara University, Indravati University, South Western University.
“Balangir, Angul and Parlakhemundi have been suggested for State University whereas place like Bhawanipatna has been suggested for Unitary University which is surprising based on location, distance and regional requirement of affiliated colleges,” Patra rues.
Arguing that Kalahandi is the central location in the backward South Western Odisha, State University is more appropriate in Bhawanipatna for the benefit of local students in other affiliated colleges in Kalahandi, Nuapada, Kandhamal, Boudh, Rayagada and Nabarangpur region as Parlakhemundi is still very far to serve the affiliated colleges in Nabarangpur.
Earlier, HETF member Prof Chitta Baral had also pointed out justification for establishing new State University in Bhawanipatna in his personal blog, Patra claims adding demand for Unitary University for Government Autonomous College Bhawanipatna was based on merit when there was no proposal for 13 new universities as has been recommended recently by the HETF. Indeed, in the same merit line of GM Autonomous College and Khallikote Autonomous College, Government College Bhawanipatna deserves to be a Unitary University and at the same time a separate State University is required in Bhawanipatna to serve the affiliated college in the backward South Western Odisha, he argues.
“When State universities are made in Parlakhemundi (94 km from Berhampur) and Balangir (120 km from Sambalpur) instead of Unitary, I do not find any rationality why same think could not be made for Bhawanipatna (a central location in the backward South Western Odisha and far away from both Sambalpur University and Berhampur University compared to Balangir and Parliakhemundi respectively),” Prof Patra questions arguing distance between Balangir and Sambalpur is 120 km where as distance between Sambalpur and Bhawanipatna is 235 km, in fact Jaipatana region of Kalahandi will be more than 300 km from Sambalpur.
“When geographically or distance wise close locations are being given State universities instead of Unitary ones and far away locations are bestowed with Unitary University, it does not resolve the primary goal of the affiliated colleges in those remote localities and so also the aim of the task force,” the NRO remarks quipping if distance and regional requirements are not evaluated for affiliated colleges, I do not see why Khallikote Autonomous College or GM Autonomous College are not made State Universities compared to other locations.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Kosali Ekta Manch demanded Central University in Kalahandi
Kosal body blocks road in Kalahandi
The Pioneer, Feb 15, 2010
PNS, Bhawanipatna
The Kosali Ekta Manch staged a road blockade on National highway-201 here on Sunday in support of the demand for a separate Kosal State. A large number of vehicles were stranded at the College Square here in the morning hours.
The Manch also demanded a Central University in Kalahandi, appointment of Shiksha Sahayaks as a district cadre and a by-pass road in the district.
The agitation was led by the central vice-president of the Kosal Kranti Dal Jagannath Mund. President Gobinda Chandra Rath, senior advocate Gangadhar Hota and lawyer Dilip Pattjoshi were also present.
The Pioneer, Feb 15, 2010
PNS, Bhawanipatna
The Kosali Ekta Manch staged a road blockade on National highway-201 here on Sunday in support of the demand for a separate Kosal State. A large number of vehicles were stranded at the College Square here in the morning hours.
The Manch also demanded a Central University in Kalahandi, appointment of Shiksha Sahayaks as a district cadre and a by-pass road in the district.
The agitation was led by the central vice-president of the Kosal Kranti Dal Jagannath Mund. President Gobinda Chandra Rath, senior advocate Gangadhar Hota and lawyer Dilip Pattjoshi were also present.
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