Bhubaneswar, May 1: The Department of Higher Education has decided not to establish new degree college in the next five years.

The Principal Secretary to Higher Education has approved the circular in a High Level committee meeting on Friday.

As per the decision, the department is not in favour of establishing new degree colleges, vocational colleges up to a period of five years. Since the enrollment of students is drastically falling in the existing colleges than the previous years, no new college will be permitted till further order.

However, the proposal for adding Bachelor of Science in Agriculture is under consideration. Similarly, opening of new subjects and enhancement of seats will continue as per National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) rating and National Institute of Ranking Framework (NIRF) score.