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.