Notwithstanding the Government’s tall claims to impart quality teachings in higher educational institutions, not a single university in Odisha was selected under the scheme ‘University with Potential for Excellence’ (UPE) to receive Central funds for its infrastructure development.

While universities of other States under the UGC’s UPE scheme are getting crores of rupees as assistance from the Centre and the UGC (University Grants Commission) every year, Odisha’s universities are deprived of getting funds since they are not eligible to get the UPE tag.

Since not a single university meets the UGC guidelines to get UPE status, research and teachings are hampered in a big way. Experts point out that faculty and nonteaching posts have been lying vacant for years in the universities. The Government also shows no interest to create new posts in the universities; on the contrary repeals some posts in the name of cut in expenditure.

The UGC had introduced the UPE scheme during the 9th Plan period in order to promote quality and excellence in interdisciplinary approach in teaching and research activities. Under the scheme, the UGC invites applications from authorities of various universities for assistance to strengthen teaching and research infrastructure.

Notably, the eligible universities with UPE status get at least Rs 100 crore from the Centre and the UGC to improve their infrastructure. They also receive support from several foreign organisations for their research and teaching.

While the universities in neighbouring Telangana and West Bengal have obtained UPE status, Odisha universities are far away from the UPE tag. Even, they are not qualified for National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) status. Under such a situation, the State Government’s so-called concern over the education system appears like shedding crocodile tears, experts opine.