Utkal University to complete boundary wall construction

BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik laid foundation stone for boundary wall project of Utkal University while inaugurating university's Platinum Jubilee celebration here on Saturday. The institution has no foolproof boundary since its inception.
The state government has sanctioned Rs 8.8 crore for the boundary wall project. It will stop encroachment of university land by outsiders and keep entry of anti-socials at bay.The institution spread over around 400 acres of land has no boundary wall on the sides of Patharbandh slum, Laxmi Vihar and VSS Nagar.
Sometimes anti-socials flee from these sides after committing theft or attacking students. Encroachment has been a major problem of the university. Slum dwellers and outsiders have encroached around 50 acres of campus land. The authorities cannot construct boundary walls in the encroached areas fearing backlash.
Higher education minister Arun Kumar Sahoo while attending the celebration said the state government has sanctioned Rs 14.5 crore for boundary wall project and redevelopment of Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati auditorium of the university.
"Construction of boundary wall of the university is a major focus for us. We will start construction work of the project very soon. We will clear encroachment from our institution land while undertaking the project," said Soumendra Mohan Patnaik, vice chancellor of the university.
The chief minister also inaugurated Central Instrumentation Centre and Digital Library of the university. He said the state government has sanctioned Rs 100 crore to Utkal University for opening of six centres of excellence. "The university has already received Rs 40 crore in the current academic year. Besides, funds have also been provided for the infrastructure development of the university," said Naveen.
He said teaching-learning is an ongoing and evolving process. "Management, infrastructure, learning resources and even curriculum are facilitating factors. The outcome of this entire exercise is quality human resource," he added.
Among others, chairman of Odisha Skill Development Authority Subrato Bagchi, Bhubaneswar North MLA Susant Rout, registrar Dayanidhi Nayak, PG council chairman Sabita Acharya and a large number of alumni and students were present.
Cultural function was organised in the campus in the evening. Singers and dancers of Odia film industry performed in the function.
The platinum jubilee celebration will continue till November 27. Alumni Meet on Sunday will be the major attraction of the meet. Hundreds of alumni including Union petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan will attend the meet. Parents meet and Students function will be held on November 25 and 26. Foundation Day of the university will be conducted on November 27.