With just four days left to the visit of President Pranab Mukherjee to the Utkal University campus, Vani Vihar, here to address the students and staff members on the occasion of its 45th convocation on April 25, the State administration and university authorities are leaving no stone unturned to make the event incident-free.
“We are regularly convening meeting with the Commissioner of Police, Executive Engineers (Roads), Public Health and Engineering Department, besides BMC officials and other Government Departments to take stock of the preparations,” said PG Council chairman PK Mishra.
Meanwhile, on being directed by the State Government, the BMC has started initiatives to clear garbage, dismantle illegal hoardings and evict stray dogs and cattle on roads to be used by the President. The Chairman also informed that the BMC has already been asked to clear illegal encroachment near the university boundary.
“An event management company has been hired on Rs 35 lakh to construct the stage. Maximum stage work has been completed. In the university campus, reparation works of roads connecting the two main gates and street lights are in full swing,” said Mishra.
Regarding the incidence of violence and clash in the campus, Mishra said he is in touch with the DG, ADG and Commissioner of Police for security and safety in the campus.
“We have already handed over the campus to the police since last four days. Police personnel are patrolling inside the campus regularly and no mobiles, electronic gadget and baggage would be allowed inside the premises during the convocation,” informed Mishra.
As per the itinerary, Mukherjee will reach at the university campus at 11 am on April 25 and will spend nearly one and a half hours. The President would give only Honorary Causa awards and gold medals.
He also informed only a utaran (Silk Paata) would be used without the black gown during the convocation.
This year four persons would be felicitated with Honorary Causa, 97 with gold medals and about 200 with PhDs. The teachers, officials, and students of the university and its 362 affiliated colleges would remain present, said Mishra.