Central University of Orissa plans to introduce innovation-based programmes

Updated on: Monday, December 10, 2012

The Central University of Orissa, Koraput, within four years of its establishment, has plans to introduce new innovation programmes to be implemented from 2013 onwards. The university, which was set up as one of the 15 new central universities by Parliament under the Central Universities Act, 2009, has around 500 students enrolled at present.

The university, at present, offers only postgraduate programmes in various disciplines and plans to introduce innovation-based programmes in education technology , rural BPOs, etc, along with setting up an incubation centre for fusion of interdisciplinary ideas.

According to Surabhi Banerjee, vice-chancellor , Central University of Orissa, innovation is the university's key area of vision. "Even at present, the courses in law, biodiversity and conservation of natural resources, journalism and mass communication studies, have innovation components in the course curriculum. We plan to introduce new courses such as rural BPOs, which are relevant to the needs of the market." As for the need of an incubation centre, she says, the model has worked well in developed countries . Young minds of students are creative and dynamic. They have ideas, which need to be given space and consideration.

But what they don't have is a proper set-up , hence, the incubation centre, where these ideas could be worked out. Also, it would enable interface with research institutions. The university has students from all parts of the country. Banerjee says that we work with a pan-India perspective. The university is located in a remote region and was started with hurdles of inaccessibility, lack of proper infrastructure and material resources . But now we are building up on the infrastructure and have submitted a proposal to the higher authorities for more courses, faculty and buildings. As soon as half the township is ready, we will be able to start undergraduate courses as well.

At present, the university has two hostels, while two more are in the pipeline. The total number of seats is 30 for each programme. It is also mulling on starting management courses in the future so that students find a market in the state and do not need to go elsewhere, seeking better opportunities.

Central University of Orissa plans to introduce innovation-based programmes

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