In a rapidly changing environment where higher studies aim to climb still higher, the Vice-Chancellors (VCs) of all the universities of Odisha have prepared and submitted a Vision Document for Higher Education Roadmap for another 20 years to the State Government.
The document is being examined by the Department of Higher Education (DoHE) for further course of action.
Principal Secretary of Higher Education Gagan Kumar Dhal had earlier held detailed discussions with the VCs and requested them to prepare the roadmap.
And accordingly, the State Government had asked the VCs to prepare a prospective vision on higher studies for all colleges and students for at least another 20 years. In their response, the VCs have prepared the roadmap and submitted it to the DoHE on April 24, sources said.
The vision document, now under scanner of high officials and experts, has reportedly made suggestions to the Government for opening of newer subjects on space technology, marine science and the likes and also merging the self-financing courses with the mainstream courses.
Besides, libraries have been recognised as the top priority as it is the interface of the universities.
The Government, while asking the VCs to prepare the roadmap, has also emphasised on improvement of libraries thorough establishment of new and renovation of the old ones.
The libraries should have online access facility where students and academician may access other universities for information.
This apart, the vision document is believed to contain focus on infrastructure development like administrative blocks, utility centres, sports complexes, gyms, etc.
Most importantly, the focus of the document is to share the vision of the universities’ heads about their plans ahead in a fast-changing environment and their expectations from the State Government in higher education for development of universities, academically and administratively.
The vision document would be set rolling or may likely take a different twist when the new Government takes charge, said a senior official of the DoHE.