Berhampur: Putting an end to uncertainties over the future of more than 10,000 students, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has accorded recognition to Khallikote Unitary University, one of the oldest educational institutions in Odisha.
In what can be called an Independence Day gift, the UGC has recognised Khallikote unitary university as a state varsity. The university has now been included in the list of state public universities under section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956, TNIE reported.
In-charge vice-chancellor Prof Geetanjali Dash said the university has received the recognition letter from UGC. The recognition brings immense relief to students, including those who have graduated from the varsity.
The UGC, in its letter, said the university may send proposal to declare it fit to receive central assistance under section 12(B) of UGC Act.
Prof Dash expressed her gratitude to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Higher Education Minister Suryavanshi Suraj, Assembly Speaker Surama Padhi and officials of the department for ensuring the achievement.
This 147-year-old institution started as a Zilla (district) school in 1856, went on to be upgraded as Khallikote Autonomous College, then as Khallikote Cluster University, Khallikote Research Intensive University, Khallikote University and finally as Khallikote Unitary University.
The transformation from autonomous college to unitary university was carried out in a matter of less than six years between 2015 and 2021.
The procedural gaps in the transformation had left the UGC confused about its status and KUU had been de-affiliated for three and half years.
Currently, 5,500 students are studying in Khallikote Unitary University and two batches have graduated from the institution after UGC ceased to recognise it in 2021, said Prof Dash, who assumed charge of the varsity on February 1 last year.
Notably, autonomy was conferred on the institution in 1990 and in May, 2006, it was accorded the status of ‘CPE’ College with Potential of Excellence by the UGC. The college has the rare distinction of being the foremost College of the state in getting ‘A’ Grade by NAAC accreditation in January 2017.
The institution has produced gems such as Justice B Jagannath Das, former Judge of Supreme Court, Chief Justice Lingaraj Panigrahi, Justice P Balakrishna Rao, Late Biswanath Das, Ex-Governor, Vice-Admiral HL Sharma and Late Dr V V Giri, former President of India.
