Sambalpur MP Nagendra Pradhan has put forward an important proposal for up-gradation of the VSSUT (Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology) Burla to an IIEST (Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology) to the Chief Minister.
“This technical university (formerly UCE Burla) is the oldest one in the State and its up-gradation is required to give it a worthy position in view of it imparting quality technical education during the past few decades,” said Pradhan to the CM.
Pradhan, while narrating the background of this university to CM Naveen Patnaik, has also put forth the reason for its up-gradation. The Anand Krishnan Committee report recommended for establishing five IIESTs all over the country. Accordingly, the Bengal Engineering College in WB and the BHU-IT of UP were upgraded to this status.
Pradhan further apprised the CM of the developed infrastructure in the VSSUT and its eligibility for an IIEST. “Hence, it will be a timely step to upgrade VSSUT and get a better position in the field of technical education in the country,” he said.
After the discussion of the MP with the CM, the authorities of the VSSUT now expect that an up-gradation of the VSSUT could also be achieved as the State Government has done its best for improvement of the institution including converting it to a university. “The status of IIEST is above NIT and below IIT. If the VSSUT is converted to an IIEST then it can reach a better position,” commented Vice-Chancellor of the university E Saibaba Reddy.
Further, an IIEST status would ensure more grants for the institute for research and other activities,” Reddy added.