Utkal University rural campus to offer courses on education, communication
University authorities said this on the sidelines of the inauguration of the rural campus by chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday.
Utkal University vice chancellor Soumendra Mohan Patnaik said initially the institution will start with two courses-master degree in public health and MBA in rural management- from this temporary campus. But it will add courses every educational year in a phased manner, he added.
“We are planning to offer bachelor in education (B Ed) and master degree in education (M Ed), PG diploma in communication for development and some certificate courses from next year,” said the vice chancellor.
He said the university has decided to give certificate courses to local artists to enhance their skills. “We will also provide certificate course on farmers training and women empowerment to make rural people skilled,” he added.
While inaugurating the temporary campus inside the premises of Baba Bhairabananda College at Chandikhole through videoconferencing, Naveen assured that the rural campus of the university will fulfill the hopes and expectations of the people of the state.
“This rural campus will be a shining star for the Utkal University. We will make all efforts for the development of the rural campus. The vocational courses on rural development and other subjects will help students get employment in different sectors,” he added.
He said the higher education has long been accepted as an important part for one’s prospect. “Students from rural areas many a times find it difficult to access university education in big cities. This rural campus of the Utkal University will fulfill the aspirations of many rural students to get higher studies,” said Naveen.
The state government had demarcated land of 66.3 acres at Siha village under Barachana block in Jajpur district. Due to some land dispute, possession of the land took some time. Finally, higher education minister Anant Das had laid foundation stone of the second campus on July 31 in 2017. Construction of permanent campus is underway. The state government has already sanctioned Rs 25 crore for the rural campus.
