Bhubaneswar, Mar 12: A significant number of public universities and colleges in Odisha are struggling with the lack of National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) certification, limiting their access to vital government funding.
Recent data reveals that only 25 out of 66 government colleges in the state have successfully secured NAAC accreditation. Even more concerning, about 67% of government-aided colleges are still awaiting accreditation.
Among the accredited institutions, Ravenshaw University stands out with an A++ grade, while Utkal University has earned an A+ rating, and Fakir Mohan University holds an A grade. However, many other universities are still undergoing the accreditation process, which remains crucial for obtaining both national and international recognition.
The absence of NAAC accreditation has far-reaching implications, particularly for government funding and academic opportunities. NAAC certification is a key eligibility criterion for government grants and scholarships, which are essential for universities to enhance infrastructure, support research initiatives, and improve the quality of education.
To address these challenges and raise academic standards, the Odisha government is implementing reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. These reforms include the introduction of multidisciplinary courses, skill-enhancement programs, and new-age curricula designed to make higher education more inclusive and aligned with industry trends.
In an effort to boost research and development, the central government has announced significant financial support for four major universities in Odisha. Ravenshaw University, Sambalpur University, Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University (MSCB), and Berhampur University will each receive Rs 100 crore under the PM-USHA (Prime Minister’s Scheme for Universities and Higher Academic Institutions) initiative. This funding is expected to strengthen research capabilities, improve facilities, and support faculty development, positioning these institutions as leaders in academic excellence.
Additionally, the state government has approved Rs 20 crore in additional grants for other universities to upgrade their infrastructure, enabling them to incorporate advanced technologies and modern academic practices.
As part of efforts to modernize the higher education sector, the state is introducing initiatives such as smart classrooms, Wi-Fi-enabled campuses, and research fellowships. These measures aim to enhance the learning experience, foster collaborative research, and attract talented faculty members from across the nation and beyond.
The Odisha government is also focused on helping more universities and colleges attain NAAC accreditation, which is essential for their continued growth and access to critical funding. With these ongoing initiatives and financial support, Odisha seeks to strengthen its higher education system, making it more competitive and aligned with national and international standards.
