The new Vice Chancellor of the GB Pant University of Agricultrue and Technology (GBPUAT) AK Mishra said that regaining the past glory of the first agriculture university of the nation and taking it from the present eighth ranking to the top most position will be his top most priority.
He said this while addressing members of the media after formally assuming charge as the new vice chancellor of the university here on Tuesday.
Mishra said that the GBPUAT had played a role in making the nation self sufficient in food grains through the green revolution. The university has immense potential and capability for works in the education, research and extension. With the cooperation of all concerned and effort with team spirit, work will be done to regain the past prestige of the university. He said that in this context, efforts will have to be made to enhance education, research and extension programmes to the national and international levels and facilitating achievements through junior research fellows, senior research fellows and research scientists.
On the basis of this, the financial position of the university could also register an improvement through the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). He said that the teaching faculty members of the university should bring at least one externally funded scheme. He also stressed on the need for developing new techniques for small and marginal farming.
The new vice chancellor further said that he will carefully study the working system and issues of the university and then work on preparing a roadmap for redressal of these issues. He said that the issue of the stalled pension of the university employees will be resolved, adding that he will make all necessary efforts at the administration level for this. Regarding the working culture, the vice chancellor said that his main focus will be on facilitating transparency so as to enble swift redressal of problems.
He said that regarding the officers of the university facing charges, he will review the cases and then take necessary steps for their removal from administrative posts if required. Efforts will also be made for clamping down on substance abuse and other types of criminal activities on the campus. Replying to a question regarding the condition of farmers, the vice chancellor said that the food grains production has registered an increase in the nation but due to middlemen, the farmers are still not able to secure good prices for their produce. He suggested that the farmers should enhance their raw produce with value addition and then directly sell it in the market. Further, in order to avoid the risk of heavy loss from farming, they should also consider taking up animal husbandry, pisciculture, cultivation of unseasonal vegetables, flowers and fruits.
On another issue, Mishra said that only women wardens should be appointed in women hostels. To ensure this, the situation will be checked in the hostels with male wardens and female wardens will be appointed where required. The building of the university established in 1960 will be administered repairs and various equipment will be changed.