Odisha Ministers Differ On Decision To Bar MLAs From College Bodies

Bhubaneswar: Two ministers in Odisha have expressed contrary views on Higher Education Minister Arun Sahoo’s decision to abolish inducting local MLAs as the president of governing body of government-aided colleges.

While Labour Minister Sushant Singh on Friday opposed the decision, Minister of State for Science and Technology Ashok Chandra Panda has expressed support.

“I am not convinced by the Higher Education Minister’s statement. I do not understand the reason behind not retaining local MLAs or elected representatives in the governing bodies,” said Singh.

“Politicians may not be made the presidents of governing bodies. But they should be in the managing committee at least as members to supervise the developmental activities of colleges,” he added.

He further said that as the sitting MLAs are not able to attend the managing committee meetings frequently due to time constraint, they should be given the membership of the committee, but should not be kept out totally.

Singh said he would take up the matter with the Higher Education Minister.

On the other hand, the Minister of State for Science & Technology said, “Whether they are part of the governing body or not, it is the responsibility of local MLAs to look after the development of the colleges in their jurisdiction. One should have an attitude for developing the colleges.”