Odisha HRD

UGC recommends 735 additional universities; actions that Orissa needs to take

Following is from a report in Economic Times.

To increase the enrolment rate in higher education, a UGC committee has suggested starting an additional 735 universities in the country during the 11th Plan ending 2012.

The UGC committee, comprising Prof Duraisami of Madras University and Prof Sudhansu Bhusan of National University of Education Planning and Administration, has said that more universities will be needed to increase gross enrolment rate — the percentage of youths in the age group of 18-24 years in higher education — to 15 per cent from the 10 per cent at present.

The committee, set up to suggest reforms on the affiliation system and monitoring of education in 11th plan, has worked out a formula of 20,000 students per university to achieve the target. As per this criteria, the requirement would be 735 universities in the country by 2012, the report said.

"We will study the report and make a final suggestion to the state governments for starting the new varsities," UGC Chairman Prof Sukhadeo Thorat said.

At present there are 388 universities in the country. The committee’s report assumes significance in view of the estimation of National Knowledge Commission last year, when it said that at least 1,500 universities are needed to make India a knowledge society.

The enrolment ratio in higher education is abysmal 10 per cent in India. It is less than eight per cent in states like Assam, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Punjab and Uttarakhand.

Orissa’s population is 36,706,920, while India’s population is 1,129,866,154. So Orissa’s population is 3.24% of India’s population. So if India’s universities need to increase to a total of 388+735 = 1123. Then Orissa’s share should be 3.24% of that, which is 36.4. Considering Orissa at less than 8% is behind the national average of 10% in terms of enrolment ratio, Orissa will need to have at least 45.5, or say 46 universities. (This is based on using the 8% number for Orissa. It is actually a little over 6 for Orissa. So another 10 may be needed. But for the 11th plan lets stick with the number 46.)

• The exisiting universities in Orissa are (13): Utkal, Sambalpur, Berhampur, NOU, FMU, OUAT, KIIT, SOS, Culture U, Ravenshaw, Sri Jagannath, NIT RKL, BPUT.
• The new universities that are under construction are (8): WCCU, KBK Central, Sri Sri U, Vedanta U, ICFAI, Jagadguru, National Law U, Orissa Open University
• Some institutes that are operating or under construction and that could become universities are (4): IIIT Bhubaneswar, IIT Bhubaneswar, NISER Bhubaneswar, AIIMS Bhubaneswar
• Some institutes that may be opened and become universities are (3) : IIIT Berhampur, BITS, NID
• Some colleges that have applied for deemed university status are (8): Krupajal, CEB, ASBM, Gunupur, Koustuv, Hi-Tech, CV Raman, UCE/OIT.
• So the state needs to make at least 10 more universities.
  • One should be made in each of the undivided 13 districts which do not have a university yet. The 13 undivided districts are: Puri, Cuttack, Sundargarh, Baleswar, Sambalpur, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Koraput, Phulbani, Dhenkanal, Kendujhar, Ganjam and Mayurbhanj. Among them the five districts of Balangir, Kalahandi (Bhawanipatna), Phulbani, Dhenkanal (Angul) and Kendujhar do not have a university nor any new one has yet been announced. So the state should establish 5 universities, one each in each of these undivided districts.
  • CET Bhubaneswar should be made to a university.
  • A comprehensive university should be established in Rourkela.
  • A Bhubaneswar-Cuttack metropolitan university consisting of all government colleges in the Bhubaneswar and Cuttack area should be made.
  • Berhampur medical college should be made to a unitary health university.
  • A health university encompassing all of Orissa, with possible head quarters in Naraj should be made.
• During the 12th and 13th plan at least the undivided districts which do not have two universities should get their second one (8): Those would be Baleswar (Bhadrakh), Balangir (Titlagarh), Kalahandi (Nabarangpur), Koraput (Malkangiri), Phulbani (Boudha), Dhenkanal, Kendujhar (Joda) and Mayurbhanj (Bangiriposi).
  • In addition universities may be established in major population centers without an university. These places include (5): Rayagada, Kalinganagar, Paradeep, Parlakhemundi, Jharsuguda,
  • And in districts which do not yet have a university (5): Bargarh, Deogarh, Kendrapada, Nayagarh, Nuapada, Sonepur.

If someone thinks that the above is too many, then they should compare the number of universities in California, whose population,at 36,553,215, is around the same as that of Orissa. However, Orissa’s area at 155,707 sq km is less than 40% of California’s area of 410,000 sq km.

9 comments August 10th, 2008

Sports hostels in Orissa

The following is from http://orissagov.nic.in/sports&youthservices/dsys/hostels.htm.

The Sports Hostel Scheme was launched in our State in the year 1985 with the objective to enable the talented young Sports persons to undergo systematic coaching for a prolonged period. As per the scheme, the young talented boys and girls in the age group of 10-14 yrs. are selected from the grass-root level through a rigorous process of tests which include anthropometrics as well as series of battery of tests.  After determining their motor capabilities, they are finally selected on the basis of their performance in specific skill tests.  The Sports Hostel scheme has paid rich dividends as large number of Sports Hostel products have proved their worth in National and International tournaments. At present there are 14 Sports Hostels and 3 Centers of Excellence functioning in the State.

 NON-PLAN SECTOR

TRIBAL AREA SUB-PLAN SECTOR

 Government in Sports & Y.S Department bears the expenditure towards the stipend of the inmates @ Rs. 2250/- per head per month, Sports kits and uniforms, medicine, bedding  materials, admission fees of Schools and T.A/D.A etc. for attending different National/International tournaments and coaching camp wherever necessary. Scientific coaching in systematic manner by experienced coaches are provided to these inmates during their stay in the hostels.

CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

Government in Sports Department have implemented the scheme of  Centre of  Excellence for  providing intensive coaching to Sports persons between the age group of 15-18 years who are proficient in the concerned field.  In order to be eligible for admission to the Centre of Excellence a candidate must have secured first to sixth position in any recognized National Championship either in Individual or Team events. During their stay in the Centre the inmates enjoy the same facilities availed by their sports Hostels counterparts. The scheme has proved it’s worth as many of the inmates of Centers of Excellence have laurels for the State. In pursuance of this scheme, the Centre of Excellence at the following places are now functional in the State:

TALENT SCOUTING

          Govt. in Sports & Youth Services Department have established 14 Sports Hostels in the State. In order to spot the budding sporting talents from grass root level and to nurture them by admitting in to Sports Hostels the Scheme of Talent Scouting has been formulated in the following manner. The talents must be within the age group of 10 to 14 Years and a student of Class-VIII or below in recognized educational institutions in order to be eligible to appear at the talent scouting selection .

  A)               Block & Dist. Level Selection

At the advent of each Academic Session, all Collectors of the Districts are requested to circulate the Scheme at Panchayat level & Block level for wide publicity and information of the interested sports talents as well as their parents to appear the selection test. It is the responsibility of the Block Development Officers to instruct the educational institutions for selection of talents at Gram Panchayat & Block level. The District Sports Officer of concerned District co-ordinates with the B. D. Os & educational institutions for selection process. Selection of talents at Block & District level Competition are organized in all Districts in order to select the outstanding talents of the Districts. Adequate publicity in print and electronics media regarding conduct of the lower level scouting as well as district level scouting are made for information of general public.

B)              State Level Assessment Camp

After conduct of the Selection trail in all the Districts, the D.S.Os send the list of selected talents along with their detail Bio-Data, motor ability test and Battery test report etc. to the Directorate of Sports & YS., Orissa, Bhubaneswar. A Committee is constituted in the Directorate of Sports & Y.S, Orissa, Bhubaneswar for scrutinization of the lists sent by all the D.S.Os.  Keeping in view the vacancies in different disciplines in all the Sports Hostels a select list of talents is prepared in order to call them for the State level scouting. After fixation of the date of State level selection all the D.S.Os are intimated regarding the list of selected talents in the State level scouting of their respective districts with instruction to ensure attendance of the talents. Selection committees are constituted in all eleven disciplines to prepare the merit list of the talents for admission in the Sports Hostels taking in to consideration of their age, educational qualification, motor ability and skill in the particular discipline.

The selected talents are intimated on the spot for taking admission into the Sports Hostels within specific time frame.  

NON-RESIDENTIAL SUMMER COACHING CAMP

 With a view to provide Coaching to the talents in rural areas as well as urban areas of the State in the popular disciplines of the localities concerned, the scheme of Non-Residential Summer Coaching Camp has been introduced by the Sports & Youth Services Department. Normally these camps are held during Summer vacation during the month of May-June every year. Coaches of the Directorate of Sports & Youth Services, Orissa Council of Sports and Sports Authority of India are deputed for imparting the Coaching in the camps. Concerned D.S.Os in co-ordination with local Sports Clubs, Sports lovers and educational institutions conducts the coaching camps which generally conducted for two weeks. Provision of refreshment and Sports kits are supplied for the purpose. 

4.       SAI SPORTS HOSTEL, CUTTACK

Sports Authority of India has established a Sports Hostel (Residential) at Cuttack to provide coaching to the students between 16-20 years of age in the disciplines of Athletics, Gymnastics, Football etc.  The students residing in SAI sports hostel are getting monthly stipend of Rs. 1500/- towards their fooding charges.  The total sanctioned strength of this hostel is 74.  Besides this, a Non-residential Training Centre is also functioning at Cuttack in Football and Athletics with a student strength of 20.

5.       SPDA SPORTS HOSTEL, DHENKANAL

          Sports Authority of India has established a Sports Hostel at Dhenkanal for development of Sports talents in the disciplines of Football & Athletics.

1.       CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

Government in Sports Department have implemented the scheme for providing intensive coaching to sports persons between the age group of 15-20 years who are proficient in the concerned field in pursuance of this scheme,  the Centre of Excellence at the following places have been opened; 

Sports Hostels

Students belonging to the age group of 10-14 yrs are being admitted into sports hostels in the State situated at different places.

          There are 14 sports hostels as detailed below;

Centre of Excellence

There are 3 Centres of Excellence in the State

1.       Centre of Excellence (Sports Hostel, Panposh)                 Hockey                  36

2.       Centre of Excellence (Sports Hostel, Berhampur)              Wt.Lifting              03

3.       Centre of Excellence (Sports Hostel, Bhubaneswar) Athletics & Wt.Lifting     16

          Sports persons having excellent performance in the age group of 15-20 yrs are inducted to the Centre of Excellence for intensive coaching.  They are provided with  monthly stipend of Rs. 1200/- towards fooding expenses & other facilities as available to the inmates of Sports Hostels.

4 comments April 27th, 2008

Spreading higher education HRD resources across Orissa through new initiatives

The recent announcements of the locations of the 30 central universities, new IITs and IIMs and earlier announcements of IISERs shows how the Government of India has corrected the earlier imbalance in terms of marquee HRD institution locations and has now spread its HRD institutions all across India. The Orissa  government should do the same. In particular, for Orissa to get to the targeted 15% enrollment in higher education from its current 6.1% it must provide opportunities of higher education across Orissa. With this in mind we propose that while announcing its IIT and central university locations it must do the following:

1. Not be complacent and pursue other undecided issues at MHRD (this includes pursuing one of the proposed 10 NITs, one of the four new National Institutes of Design, an NIFT, one of the 20 IIITs etc.)
2. Establish new universities and institutions across Orissa to fill existing holes in Orissa higher education landscape. In particular it should:

• Establish the IIT at a location a bit far from Bhubaneswar (as far as acceptable to center, and as far as it can still maintain its proximity to Bhubaneswar to be able to be competitive in recruiting good faculty)
• Establish the second central university in KBK with branch campuses across KBK+ districts. The first choice for a HQ could be Bhawanipatna, which is well connected to other places in KBK. Alternatives are Koraput-Jeypore area or Rayagada. If the center does not allow this and requires that the central university be near a city then Rourkela (which is without a regular university) would be a good location.
• The new IIIT should be in location other than Rourkela and Bhubaneswar, and in a  place where there is an STPI. Berhampur would be a first choice. Other choices could be Bhadrakh (between Kalinganagar industrial area and Balasore) and Sambalpur.
• New NIT: If it will be an upgradation, then UCE Burla is the first choice. If it will be a greenfield one then possible choices include industry hubs such as Angul, Kalinganagar, Rayagada.
• A regular university in Rourkela: Rourkela, the second largest metropolitan area of Orissa needs a regular university where students can pursue masters and Ph.Ds in science, liberal arts, etc.
• A medical college in Rourkela.
• A medical college in North Orissa: Balasore has been demanding a medical college for a long time.
• Upgrade UCE Burla to a state university and position it better to make it an IIEST similar to what West Bengal and Kerala did with respect to BESU and CUSAT respectively.
• State universities in KBK region: The government should aim for three universities for the three undivided KBK districts. If a central university is established in one of the three districts then the other two should have state universities.
• The state government should make a few more state engineering colleges in industrial and emerging areas such as Rayagada, Kalinganagar, Jharsuguda and Paradeep. Perhaps the premiere engineering schools in Berhampur and Jharsuguda can be upgraded to engineering colleges.
• A medical college, perhaps in partnership with NALCO and/or MCL and a regular university in Angul-Talcher area may also be considered.

To do the above the state might consider going the PPP route and creating a corpus of 1000-2000 crores.

12 comments April 13th, 2008

BPUT Orissa JEE 2008 details

(Update on June 17 2008:  For guidance on what you can get with your Orissa JEE rank in 2008, please see https://www.orissalinks.com/archives/1185 I do not have more information than that.)

Following is from http://www.jeeorissa.com/admission2008.html.

FOR ADMISSION TO B.TECH.; B.ARCH.;MBBS; BDS; B.PHARM.; B.HMCT; MCA; AND MBA COURSES AND LATERAL ENTRY TO B.TECH. ; B.PHARM. AND B.HMCT COURSES IN GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE COLLEGES

Date of Examination Sunday, May 25, 2008 Sale of Application form begins on March 19, 2008        Last date of sale of application form April 08, 2008 Last date of receipt of completed application form April 10, 2008   The Joint Entrance Examination for the year 2008 – 2009, Orissa shall be held on  Sunday, May 25, 2008 at selected centres  for admission to the first year Degree courses in Engineering/Technology, Architecture, Hotel Management and Catering Technology (HMCT), MBBS/BDS, Pharmacy, MCA, MBA and to the Lateral Entry of State candidates to third semester of degree courses in Engineering/Technology, HMCT and Pharmacy.   ELIGIBILITY   (A) For admission to First Year Bachelor programme in (i) Engineering/Technology : Pass or appearing in 10+2 examination of CHSE, Orissa or equivalent with Physics, Mathematics, and one from Chemistry/ Computer Science/Biology/Biotechnology or pass in 10+3 diploma course in engineering including those having less than 60% marks in aggregate from SCTE&T, Orissa or equivalent. (ii) Architecture:  For admission to Architecture candidates are to secure minimum 50% marks in aggregate in 10+2 Examination of CHSE, Orissa or equivalent, with Mathematics as one of the subject OR 10+3 years diploma with 50 % marks in aggregate OR International baccalaureate Diploma, after 10 years of schooling with not less than 50% marks in aggregate and with mathematics as compulsory subject of examination. All the candidates seeking admission to B.Arch course shall have valid NATA score prescribed by Council of Architecture(minimum 80 out of 200) (iii) Pharmacy : Pass or appearing in 10+2 examination of  CHSE, Orissa or equivalent with Physics and Chemistry and one from Mathematics/Biotechnology/Computer Science /Biology or pass in 10+3 diploma course in Pharmacy including those having less than 60% marks in aggregate from SCTE&T, Orissa or equivalent. (iv) Hotel Management and Catering Technology: Pass or appearing in 10+2 examination in Arts/Commerce/Science from CHSE, Orissa or equivalent. (v) MBBS/BDS : Pass or appearing in 10+2 examination of CHSE, Orissa or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry and Biology with atleast 50% marks in aggregate in these subjects taken together (40% for SC/ST) with age between 17 and 25 years as on 31.12.2008 (relaxable up to 3 years for SC/ST candidates).   (B) For admission to First Year Masters programme in (i) Computer Application (MCA): Pass or appearing in 2008 three years Bachelor’s Degree examination in any discipline with pass in Mathematics at 10+2 level or in +3 level. (ii) Business Administration (MBA): Pass or appearing in 2008 three years Bachelor’s Degree examination in any discipline from a UGC recognized University. (C) For admission to Second Year Engineering/Technology, Pharmacy and HMCT under Lateral Entry Pass or appearing in 3 years diploma course in Engineering, Pharmacy, and HMCT with a minimum 60% marks in aggregate from SCTE&VT, Orissa or equivalent. (D) For admission to Second Year Engineering/Technology under Lateral Entry Pass or appearing  in 2008, for the  Bachelor’s Degree examination of three years duration in Science from any University of Orissa or equivalent recognised by UGC and have passed with a minimum of 60% marks in aggregate(First Division) with Mathematics at  +3 level. (E) For admission to Second Year Pharmacy under Lateral Entry Pass or appearing  in 2008, for the  Bachelor’s Degree examination of three years duration in Science from any University of Orissa or equivalent recognised by UGC and have passed with a minimum of 60% marks in aggregate (  First Division) with Biology at  +3 level. The ratio of distribution of seats under lateral entry for Diploma : B. Sc. is 80:20.   Note : Candidates are to produce their complete result alongwith original marksheet of qualifying examination at the time of counselling for admission.   RESERVATION The percentage of seats to be reserved for different categories is subject to change and the decision of the State Government as on the date of admission will be applicable. OUTSIDE STATE CANDIDATE Outside State candidates are not eligible for admission in Govt. Colleges but they are eligible for admission to Privates Colleges except private Medical (MBBS/BDS) Colleges. HOW TO GET APPLICATION FORM On payment of Rs. 520/- (including Rs. 20/- as service charges) from the following branches of Syndicate Bank / State Bank of India/Post offices. SYNDICATE BANK Angul, Balasore, Bargarh, Baripada, Berhampur, Bhadrak, Bhubaneswar (IRC, Kalpana Square, Nayapalli, Utkal University Campus, Vanivihar), Chandikhol, Cuttack (Choudhury Bazar), Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur Road, Jharsuguda, Kavisuryanagar, Kendrapada, Paradeep, Puri, Rourkela, Salipur, Sambalpur, Asansol, Bhilai, Bilashpur, Bokaro, Burdwan, Dhanbad, Durgapur,Deoghar, Hazaribag, Gaya, Guwahati, Hyderabad (Khairatabad), Jamshedpur,  Kharagpur, Kolkata (Dharamtalla, Gariahat, Barabazar, Rasbehari Avenue, Salt Lake), New Delhi (Transport Bhawan), Patna, Raipur, Ranchi, Vishakpatnam (main). STATE BANK OF INDIA Angul, Aska, Athagarh, Balangir, Balasore, Bargarh, Baripada, Berhampur (Main), Bhadrak, Bhanjanagar, Bhawanipatna, Bhubaneswar (OUAT Campus, Laxmisagar), Boudh, Chatrapur, Cuttack (Main Branch, Link Road), Deogarh, Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur Town, Jaleswar, Jeypore, Jharsuguda, Kendrapara, Keonjhar, Khurda, Malkangiri, Nawarangpur, Nawapara, Nayagarh, Parlakhemundi, Phulbani, Puri, Rairangpur, Rayagada, Rourkela (Main, Uditnagar), Sambalpur (Main), Sonepur, Sundargarh, Talcher. POST OFFICES Angul(HO), Balasore(HO), Bhadrak(HO), Balangir(HO), Bhubaneswar(GPO), Bhubaneswar(BJB Nagar), Berhampur(GM)(HO), Cuttack (GPO), Cuttack (College square Mukhya Dakaghar), Jagatsinghpur (HO), Jajpur(HO), Koraput(HO), Nayagarh(HO), Puri(HO), Rayagada(HO), Rourkela(HO), Sundergarh(HO), Sambalpur(HO), Nimapara(Mukhya Dak Ghar). Candidates can also apply for  Application Form by post on payment of  A/C payee Demand Draft for Rs. 500/- drawn in favour of JEE-2008 on any nationalized bank Payable at Bhubaneswar along with a stamped (Rs.75/-) 30 cm x 25 cm Size cloth lined self addressed envelope from the Office of the Chairman, JEE-2008. Old question papers of JEE-2006 and JEE-2007 for Rs 10/- per booklet will be on sale from the following branches of Syndicate Bank only subject to availability: Angul, Balasore, Baripada, Berhampur, Bhubaneswar (Kalpana Square, Nayapalli, Vanivihar), Cuttack (Choudhury Bazar), Rourkela, Sambalpur and all branches of State Bank of India as mentioned above. HOW TO SEND APPLICATION FORM The completed application form is to be submitted to the Banks/Post Offices from which it is purchased or to be sent by registered/speed post/registered courier service to the address given below. CONTACT ADDRESS Chairman, JEE – 2008 Orissa; JEE Complex Gandamunda, PO : Khandagiri Bhubaneswar-751030   CHAIRMAN, JEE-2008, Orissa

82 comments March 12th, 2008

Institutions offering CT in Orissa

Following is from http://www.ncte-in.org/inst/instlist.asp?statecode=ORISSA&cour=CT. (CT certification is needed to become teacher in lower primary schools. B.Ed is needed for becoming teachers in middle and high schools.)

150 comments November 19th, 2007

Vedanta being asked for an engineering college in Kalahandi: finally a sensible approach

Often various sundry organizations oppose various industries that are coming up just for the heck of it. A better approach would be to make sure the industry does not adversely affect them and then convince the industry to do positive things for the area. The later includes setting up of engineering colleges and necessary infrastructure like township, roads, parks, playgrounds, schools, medical facilities etc. Finally such an approach is being taken by the Koshali Ekta manch vis-a-vis Vedanta and Kalahandi. Despite the fact that Vedanta is in the process of making a world class university near Puri, they should listen to this demand, if only to give value to this general approach. Moreover, making an engineering college, of the kind made by most private trusts in Orissa, does not cost much. One can start it with an initial budget of 10 crores and then it can become self -sustaining through student fees. So Vedanta should seriously consider this. Also, people in other areas where industries are coming up, or have come up should take a similar approach. For example, the people in Paradip and Kujanga, rather than being hostile to POSCO should negotiate with POSCO to establish a medical college & hospital and a top-notch engineering college like POSTECH in Korea, that was established by POSCO. Same with respect to the Tatas in Kalinganagar; people in Kalinganagar should negotiate with the TATAs to establish an engineering college and a medical college in Kalinganagar. The Mittals should be asked for the same in Patana, Keonjhar area; RSP/SAIL should be asked for the same in Rourkela; MCL+NTPC should be asked for the same in Talcher area and NALCO for the same in Anugul and Damanjodi.

Following is an excerpt of a Pioneer report that triggered the above thoughts.

Bhawanipatna: A meeting of the Koshali Ekta Manch has decided that a memorandum would be submitted on August 24 to Vedanta Alumina limited in order to establish an engineering college in Kalahandi. …  Manch leaders Jagannath Mund, Govind Chandra Rath and Padma Kishore Pujari were present at the meeting.

1 comment August 13th, 2007

NAAC accredition of Orissa colleges and Universities

NAAC, the National Accredition and Assessment Council, an autonomous body established by UGC now does periodic assessment of colleges, universities and even specific programs. We analyze the NAAC ratings of Orissa colleges and universities below.

Among the 149 colleges of Orissa it has rated only 6 have secured an A rating. (None have an A+ rating.) They are:

Continue Reading 3 comments July 15th, 2007

Lalit Patnaik’s message on Agamee odisha meeting about KBK University

Dear Friends,

To day, a meeting was convened by Agamee Odisha in Jaydev Bhawan about “KBK University and related railways and other Development of KBK Districts. The Dias was empty of any chair except the banner for KBK University. People went from the assembly spoke and came back. A very new concept by our President.

The meeting was opened by the address of our President Shree DK Ray, Ex Chairman OERC and Income Tax Commissioner, who welcomed one and all with warm hands. Dr Kasturi Mohapatra, VP of National Child Health Care Foundation, deliberated about Mission & Vision of Agamee Odisha.

Continue Reading July 11th, 2007

Standing up for the backward areas of Orissa and India

India can not progress much if it leaves behind big parts of its population and areas; same is true for Orissa. Unfortunately the most backward areas of India also happen to be in Orissa. We must make sure that these areas are given adequate attention by all governments.

1. Some statistical points on KBK, the most backward districts in Orissa as well as India; on Orissa and on MHRD spending in Orissa.

(a) Population below the poverty line in southern Orissa (of which KBK is a part) is reported to be 89.17% of the people according to the 1999-2000 NSS data and 72% of the families according to the 1997 census.

(b) The literacy rates in the KBK districts are abysmally low. Malkangiri 31.26%, Nabarangpur 34.26%, Rayagada 35.61%, Koraput 36.2%, Nuapada 42.29%, Kalahandi 46.2%, Balangir 54.93%, Sonepur 64.07%. Two adjacent districts also have low literacy: Gajapati 41.73% and Kandhamala 52.95%. The state average is 63.1%.
(c) The tribal population percentage of the KBK districts are as follows: Malkangiri 58.36% (+19.96% SC), Rayagada 56.04% (+14.28% SC), Nabarangpur 55.27% (+15.09% SC), Koraput 50.67% (+13.41% SC), Nuapada 35.95% (+13.09% SC), Kalahandi 28.88% (+17.01% SC), Sonepur 22.11% (+9.5% SC), Balangir 22.06% (+15.39% SC). Two adjacent districts also have high tribal population. They are Kandhamala 51.51% (+18.21% SC) and Gajapati 47.88% (+8.77% SC)

(d) KBK needs sons of the soil, (highly) educated in the soil teachers, doctors, engineers, officers etc. to help in bringing KBK to the main stream of Orissa and India. With a high tribal population, it is important that they have higher education opportunities right where they live as often they do not venture out to Delhi, Hyderabad, Allahabad or Benaras to take advantage of the ST seats in the high quality central universities there and the ones that venture out do not usually return home. In this regard one must note that in the US a major percentage of Blacks, Hispanics and Native Americans who have a higher education degree have it from colleges and universities (such as HBCUs — Historically Black Colleges and Universities) near their home rather than in far flung universities.

(e) Central government spending in fully centrally funded higher education institutions in Orissa is towards the bottom among all states in India. A rough calculation in http://www.baral.us/hrd-nh.htm showed that while the central government spent (in 2005-06) per person Rs 4.07 on fully-funded-by-center HRD institution in Orissa, it spent Rs 177.12 in Delhi, Rs 105.42 in Uttaranchal, Rs 105 in Arunachal Pradesh, Rs 77.7 in Assam, Rs 33.78 in Himachal Pradesh, Rs 28.10 in West Bengal, Rs 25.12 in Karnataka, Rs 17.79 in Tamil Nadu, Rs 17.09 in Maharastra, Rs 17.08 in UP, Rs 16.2 in Jharkhand, Rs 16.05 in Andhra, Rs 14.5 in J & K, Rs 13.38 in Punjab, Rs 8.52 in Haryana, Rs 7.9 in Kerala, Rs 7.39 in Chhattisgarh, Rs 7.2 in MP, Rs 4.87 in Gujurat, Rs 2.59 in Rajasthan, and Rs 1.87 in Bihar. Now that an IIT and IIM has been announced for Bihar and an IIT has been announced for Rajasthan, Orissa will be at the bottom.

(f) As per the NSSO study of 2004-2005 Orissa is at the bottom of most higher education parameters. For example, Table 3.14.1 shows that in the 15-19 age group 29% people in Orissa are attending school/college and in the 20-24 age group this number for Orissa is 6.1%. (Both numbers are lowest among all but the small states/UTs of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu and Lakshadweep.) For the Scheduled Tribe population
these numbers are 17.1% for the 15-19 age group and 4.1% for the 20-24 age group.

2. Orissa government and people have made sincere efforts towards establishing a KBK central university.

(a) Oct 24 2005: The CM meets the HRD minister Mr. Arjun Singh and proposes the idea of a KBK Central University and Mr. Singh appreciates the idea. Following is an excerpt of a press release that discusses it.

• … In addition to this, Shri Patnaik also requested for establishment of a Central University for the KBK Region, which is one of the most backward regions in the country. He pointed out that there was a heavy concentration of the scheduled tribe and scheduled caste population in this region, which has a literacy rate below 50%. Shri Patnaik stated that setting up a Central University in the KBK region would go a long way in encouraging higher education among tribal population. He added that the university could also set up specialized centres for tribal development related studies, as tribal development was one of the biggest challenges facing the country today. Shri. Arjun Singh appreciated the rationale of having a Central University in the KBK region and sought a formal proposal in this regard from the State Government. He assured that this would receive high priority whenever the Central Government considers setting up of new central universities

(b) Since then the Orissa government and the representatives of Orissa have brought up this issue many many times.

• The MPs brought it up in Rajya Sabha on December 19 2005. (See page 2 right column)
  
• See http://kbkcentral.blogspot.com/ for the numerous times this have been brought up by the CM, by other ministers from Orissa, etc.

(c) A detailed proposal was sent by the Orissa government as well as by us.

(d) Here is our proposal. (word, pdf) This document has lots of detailed statistics in case you may want to use some of it in your letter.

(e) Hundred of us also sent letters about it to the PM, planning commission, etc. (word) This letter also has lots of detailed statistics in case you may want to use some of it in your letter.

3. A shock to Orissa:

(a) The Hindu first reported on the plan for the tribal university in Madhya Pradesh. Following is an excerpt from it. One may compare this excerpt with the Orissa government press release on Oct 24 2005 and it becomes clear that the idea proposed by our CM was stolen.

• … The Indira Gandhi National Tribal University will encourage studies on tribal art, culture and traditions, forests and natural resources. Tribal students will be given priority in admission. … The D. Swaminadhan Committee, set up by the University Grants Commission, recommended the setting up of a varsity exclusively for promoting tribal culture and providing tribals access to higher education.

(b) The recent PIB says the following:

The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for establishment of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh with Central Government funding. It also approved introduction of the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University Bill, 2007 in the Parliament.

(c) http://www.ranchiexpress.com/news/n22062007.htm mentions: Jharkhand will soon house the Eastern India branch of national tribal university , chirstened Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU). The committee of University Grant Commission (UGC) that has been asked to set up the IGNTU is looking for about 1,000 acres of land in Jharkhand for the purpose. The varsity, which will have its headquarters at Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh, will offer array of courses to students from across the country. Dr Ram Dayal Munda, a member of the UGC committee, has been asked to look for land in Jharkhand, possibly in or around the State Capital. "The chairperson of the committee, Jose Verghese, has asked me to find a suitable piece of land here to house the IGNTU branch," Dr Munda told mediapersons.

There is no mention of KBK Central University above; nor about branches of IGNTU in Orissa. This came as a shock to people of Orissa.

4. Soothing words from the PM and the central minister from Orissa, Mr. Chandrasekhar Sahu

(a) In http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=28780 the PM says

Today, I am happy to announce that we intend to establish 30 new Central Universities across the country. The work on the modalities for setting these up has begun and the Ministry of Human resource Development, the University Grants Commission and the Planning Commission are working to operationalize this in the next 2-3 months.

(b) Business Standard reported central minister Chandrasekhar Sahu saying:

While the first Central University is likely to be set up in Koraput,

5. In light of the above we have the following five point demand:

I. The central university in Koraput should be a multi-campus one with campuses in all the major towns in KBK+ districts. I.e., the eight KBK districts and the adjacent Gajapati and Kandhamal districts. This university should be more like the universities in the north east in that it must have special quotas for tribals and KBK+ residents.

II. The PM said there will be 30 new central universities. Since there are already about 20 central universities and Orissa has none; besides the
central university in Koraput, one of the other universities in Orissa, from a different part of Orissa, must be upgraded to central university status.

III. Branches of the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University must be made in the north western districts with high tribal population, in particular
Mayurbhanj (tribal percentage 57.87%, literacy 52.43%), Sundergarh (50.74%, 65.22%), and Keonjhar (44.52%, 59.75%); and possibly in Sambalpur (35.08% , literacy 67.01%), Deogarh (33.31%, literacy 60.78%), and Jharsuguda (31.88% , literacy 71.47%).

IV. A greenfield IIT must be established in an appropriate location in Orissa to serve the backward parts of Orissa as well as to be close enough to existing infrastructure so as to be a viable world class institution.

V. Connectivity to KBK must be upgraded with (a) fasttrack implementation of the Vijaywada-Ranchi highway and (b) Finishing three important rail projects in KBK: Khurda Rd – Balangir; Naupada-Gunupur-Therubali; and LanjigarhRd-Bhawanipatna-Junagarh-Nabrangpur-Jeypore-Malkangiri with the last exetended to Bhadrachalam Rd thus creating an alternate shorter Ranchi-Hyderabad rail connection passing through the tribal and backward areas.

2 comments July 6th, 2007

Institutions with Nontraditional programs – a dated list

Following is a list of institutions with non-traditional programs that I compiled earlier. They are categorized as follows: Arts and Crafts, Design, Teachers training, Diploma in Engineering, ITIs, Film and TV, Homeopathy and Ayurveda, Hotel management, Journalism, Law, Library Science, Performance arts, Physical Education, Sanskrit and Social work.

Continue Reading 6 comments June 8th, 2007

Central Schools (Kendriya Vidyalayas) in Orissa

At present there are 29 Central Schools in Orissa the latest being one in Neeladri Vihar Bhubaneswar (2003), one in Keonjhar (2001) and a second shift (2004) at Central School 1 in Bhubaneswar. In KBK districts the central schools are in Sunabeda, Koraput, Bhawanipatna and Balangir (2 of them). Many of the central schools have their own websites.

June 4th, 2007

List of Universities in Orissa

Following is a list of existing and proposed universities in Orissa which I earlier compiled in https://www.orissalinks.com.

Continue Reading 3 comments May 31st, 2007

Private medical colleges under the auspices of WODC (Western Orissa development Council)

For some time the Orissa government and the WODC (Western Orissa Development Council) have been trying to develop 3 private medical colleges in Rourkela, Balangir and Jarangi near Bhawanipatna in Kalahandi. [Telegraph Feb 2005,Hindu Nov 2006]

Today’s Sambada reports on some progress with respect to these.

Continue Reading 3 comments May 8th, 2007

Frequently asked Questions related to the current movement towards an IIT in Orissa

1. Why this FAQ?

When one brings up the topic of establishing an IIT in Orissa MHRD officials, ministers and spokesperson, and even many technical education committee members sometimes retort back: “Why does it matter where an IIT is located as students from any where in India, including from Orissa, can study in an IIT.”

Until recently, I thought it was just some thing said and not really meant by the MHRD officials or the technical education committee members. However, a recent exchange of emails with one of the most well respected technologists of India, Mr. K, makes it clear that many influential people in decision making roles sincerely believe that it does not matter where an IIT is located as students from any where in India can study in an IIT. This misconception needs to be cleared up, as otherwise, as we argue below, it will further worsen the existing inequities in India.

Many in Orissa also question why one should focus on getting an IIT to Orissa when there are several other pressing issues in Orissa. In this FAQ we try to address these and related questions.

Continue Reading 4 comments April 22nd, 2007

Mail to CMO: looking out for all of Orissa in the HRD front

Dear Friends:

Its time to convey to the Orissa government that they need to look out for all of Orissa and not just BBSR/CTC/Puri areas.

Following is a draft letter that one can send to the CM (cmo at ori.nic.in) about developing higher education and medical opportunities outside of the BBSR/CTC/Puri area. This is a draft. Please make changes to your liking.

If I missed your favorite location, please add them in your letter.

best regards
Chitta

Continue Reading 9 comments April 11th, 2007

Inititiation of KBK university by state govt? Dr. Digambara Patra, November 15, 2006

… Keeping all these things in mind, if our state government could make a KBK University (from the Biju KBK grant or a separate grant of 100 crores for 3 yrs), it would be easier to convert it to a central university later on, which happened earlier to Institute of Life Sciences, Institute of Physics, Allahabad University and some other North Eastern State Universities. …

Continue Reading 1 comment December 11th, 2006