**Bhubaneswar: ** Gracing the Workshop on Internationalisation of Higher Education organised by the Higher Education Department today, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said that Odisha has steadily progressed to become a hub of higher education and research over the last two decades.
“With a judicious synergy of Private, Central and State Higher Education institutions in place, the State is marching towards its ultimate objective of achieving excellence in imparting knowledge, creating new knowledge and developing global competencies in its youth,” stated the Odisha Chief Minister.
He said, “I am happy to learn that during the academic meet at Make in Odisha Conclave, eminent academicians, administrators and industrialists had joined together to provide suggestions regarding governance of higher education, capacity building in research and innovation and several other key aspects to enable the State to create quality human resource. During the last few years, the Government of Odisha has been introducing a large number of reforms to enhance quality, equity, access and inclusivity of higher education in the State.”
“To provide impetus to its stated objectives, the State Government has opened five new Universities, eight new Model Degree Colleges and shall soon be opening six more Model Degree Colleges. Besides, State Higher Education Council has been formed and two additional Regional Directorates have also been opened,” said the Chief Minister.
He added, “The Kalinga Sikshya Sathi Yojana — a loan assistance scheme at one percent interest, provision of laptops, Green Passage scheme for orphan students and several other schemes have been immensely helpful in bringing access and inclusivity. The Odisha Higher Education Project for Excellence and Equity with loan assistance of World Bath is a transformative initiative to strengthen capacity and bring governance reforms in higher education.”
The Chief Minister also stated, “I am happy to learn that 182 MoUs have been signed between our Universities and National and International Institutions of repute for collaborative research, exchange programmes and knowledge partnership with industries.”
He further stated, “I am glad that 135 candidates are receiving appointment letters to join the Government Colleges. I congratulate all of you. Now you belong to one of the noblest profession. I hope you will work with dedication to play a key role in fulfilling the aspirations of our students.”
Also added, “I am also happy to launch opening of Career Counselling Centres in 10 Universities and 52 Government Colleges today. Creation of Career Counselling Centres in colleges and universities will help in increasing the employability and skill output of our students.”
“I hope with our perseverance and commitment, higher education in Odisha will be truly internationalised and we will be able to make Odisha a Quality Higher Education hub of the country,” exhorted the Chief Minister.
Later briefing media, Odisha Higher Education Minister Ananta Das said, “Today the vacant posts of 52 Government colleges were filled up by appointing 135 lecturers. More posts will be filled soon after clearance from the Public Service Commission. The Chief Minister has directed to fill up soon all the vacant posts. Also steps are on to fill up the 833 vacant posts in Non-Government and Aided colleges.”
“Higher Education Department in Odisha is marching ahead. It is being internalized. This effort we have begun from 2017. The Career Counselling Centres will test the aptitude of a student and guide his future career,” the Minister explained.
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