Even as the Utkal University of Culture is all set to hold its 18th foundation day on Wednesday, it seems that all is not well in the university, which is run by the Department of Culture.

The university, which was established in the year 2000 and is first of its kind in the State, seems to have been neglected by the State Government from beginning. It is yet to be included under the Section 12 (B) of the University Grants Commission (UGC) thus losing grants of crores of rupees every year.

The university, though shifted to its new campus, is still to have adequate infrastructure and teaching staffs.

According to reports, process started for inclusion of the university under the UGC 12(B) in the year 2014, but none of the former Vice-Chancellors or present one took appropriate steps. The VCs from Debendra Nath Jena to present Kamalkant Mishra are only repeating promises to take steps in this regard at foundation days and convocations. Culture Minister, Secretary and Director are too making similar promises each time, but in vain.

According to information, insufficient staffs and infrastructure stand on the way of the university getting UGC aid. According to norms, a department ought to have a Professor, two Readers and three lecturers. However, the number of teaching staffs in the university is far below the UGC norm. A total of 10 teachers are managing affairs now. While required numbers of posts are yet to be created, no step is being taken to fill up vacancies being created due to retirement of existing ones. The recruitment process, which has been going on for the last six months, is not ending.

Meanwhile, VC Kamalkant Mishra told a section of Media that application would be submitted for inclusion of university in UGC 12 (B) this year. However, he said that the application would be submitted only after required staffs are recruited in March.

Construction works of the university campus at Madanpur is yet to be completed. The students were shifted to the new campus after construction of a building and two hostels last year. During the last one year, no progress in the campus has been made.

Though eight years have passed since land was identified and construction works began, intellectuals have worried over the fact that construction work has been stopped since December 2016. While buildings have remained half-constructed, absence of a boundary wall helps outsiders enter the campus freely.