Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has urged the Odisha government to upgrade the Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology (IGIT), Sarang, into a unitary university, describing the move as a crucial step towards strengthening technical education and supporting industrial growth in the Dhenkanal-Angul region.
In a letter to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Pradhan lauded the state government’s decision in the 2026-27 Budget to transform Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology and Odisha University of Technology and Research into world-class technical universities. He suggested that IGIT Sarang should be accorded similar status to further enhance Odisha’s higher technical education ecosystem.
Highlighting the institute’s legacy, Pradhan noted that IGIT Sarang, established in 1982, has built a strong reputation over more than four decades of academic excellence. The autonomous institution is recognised by the UGC, approved by AICTE, and has received support under the Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme (TEQIP), reflecting its academic credibility and institutional strength.
The institute currently offers a wide range of programmes, including Ph.D., M.Tech, MCA, B.Tech, Bachelor of Architecture, M.Sc., and diploma courses. According to the Union Minister, its academic framework is supported by experienced faculty members and a robust educational foundation.
Pradhan also highlighted IGIT’s collaborative initiatives, including participation in the Virtual Lab programme with Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and internship opportunities with the India Meteorological Department, which have contributed to enhancing student learning and career prospects.
Emphasising the institute’s strategic location amid the industrial hubs of Dhenkanal and Angul, Pradhan said IGIT possesses immense potential to drive industry-oriented research, innovation, and skill development. He argued that granting unitary university status would provide greater academic autonomy, facilitate multidisciplinary education, attract distinguished faculty, strengthen research capabilities, and expand funding and partnership opportunities.
The Union Minister further stated that elevating IGIT Sarang to a unitary university would not only reinforce Odisha’s technical education landscape but also contribute significantly to the state’s industrial development, innovation ecosystem, and research output.
Pradhan expressed confidence that the proposed upgrade would align with the vision of a “Viksit Odisha 2036” and help establish IGIT Sarang as a leading centre of technical education with national and international recognition.
