The five model colleges sanctioned out of 12 proposed ones in the state for the benefit of students in socio-economically underdeveloped areas are still struggling to begin their infrastructure. While, three model colleges approved by the state government in 2011-12 financial year are yet to begin with their construction, the remaining two has been approved this year (2012-2013).
According to the State Annual Plan 2012-13 of the 12th Five Year Plan 2012-17, Jharkhand targets to establish Model Colleges in 12 educationally backward districts, increase Gross Enrolment Rate (GRE) from 7.5 to 18 percent and set up new campuses in three new universities. However, the process to set up the colleges seem to be languishing in Red Tape and is yet to pick up pace.
In the last financial year, funds for model colleges at latehar (Nilamber Pitamber University), Kharsawan at Saraikela (Kolhan University) and Chatra (Vinoba Bhave University) were sanctioned. Whereas, in the ongoing financial year, two model colleges of around 8 to 9 crores at Godda (Sido Kanhu Murmu University) and Giridih (Vinoba Bhave University) were sanctioned at one go.
Highlighting about the infrastructure, State Human Resources Development (HRD) Department Principal Secretary Dr. DK Tiwari told The Pioneer, “The Vice Chancellors (VCs) of all the universities have been given the responsibility to begin the construction work as soon as possible. It is upto them whether they hire a private company or approach the PWD. If required I have also asked the VCs to consult their Deputy Commissioner in this regard.”
It is to be noticed the entire project of Model College set up is under the control of State Government and the University Grant Commission (UGC) has no role here.
Kolhan University has received the state grant for one of its model college three months ago. Dr. Salil Kumar Roy Vice Chancellor (VC) of KU told The Pioneer, “We are to set up two model colleges. A co-educated model college is to be set up at Kharsawan (Saraikela) and girl’s model college at West Singhbhum will also be made. We have got Rs 8 crores for the first college which is quite appreciable as first installment. Both these areas are undeveloped.”
“University does not have its own infrastructure and technical supports in these interior areas so we have given the construction work to public sector undertakings like Mecon and NTPC,” Dr Roy stressed.
On the other side, Sido Kanhu Murmu University (SKMU) VC Dr M Basheer Ahmed Khan informed that they would be setting one model college at Poraiyahat block in Godda district. Confirming on latehar Model College, Nilamber Pitamber University (NPU) VC F Ahmed said, “We are to set up a model college at latehar.”
As per information received to The Pioneer by the HRD officials, these model colleges are to have better infrastructure, staffs and laboratory facilities than the common colleges running in the state. Some of these would also have residential facilities.
Adding more information about these five model colleges, State Higher Education Director Dhirendra Nath Ojha said, “As of now the state grant for land has been released. Infrastructure and then Academic session beginning will take some time.”
In 2008, UGC had sanctioned altogether 374 colleges across the country, which was to be completed by 2012. Twelve colleges were sanctioned for Jharkhand.
The state government’s initiative, to be executed through public-private partnership (PPP) mode, will increase the enrolment ratio in higher education and thus boost the literacy ratio of the state. The literacy rate of India is 74.04 according to 2011 census of which Jharkhand’s literacy rate is 67.6 percent, 9.09 percent lower than the national literacy rate.
When asked about the model College status at Chatra and Giridih, Vinoba Bhave University (VBU) VC Ravindra Nath Bhagat said, “We are not aware of the approval of the Model College at Giridih. A proposal for a model college at Giridih was made by one of our senate members. last year we were informed about the approval of Chatra Model College in an acquired last of around 9 acres and were granted fund. The HRD will look after the construction process of this college since they were interested in developing these model colleges. So, we have authorized them.”
Chatra DC confirmed that VBU had approached them nearly a year back for model college land. They had then allotted around 9.5 acres land for this college.