Chandi Nanda sets off reformative measures to rejig Utkal University

Bhubaneswar: In just one month after assuming office as the Vice-Chancellor of Utkal University, Prof. Chandi Prasad Nanda has initiated a series of academic, administrative, and campus-wide measures aimed at revitalizing one of Odisha’s premier universities.

Since taking charge on April 13, the Vice-Chancellor has emphasized direct engagement with students, faculty members, employees, and alumni while simultaneously focusing on institutional reform, campus discipline, infrastructure, and academic quality. The major initiatives include ‘Swachhata Abhijan’, realigned academic vision, safety & campus welfare, alumni engagement, and commitment to NEP & Skill India mission among others, said a release issued by the university on Wednesday.

Swachhata Abhijan:

An extensive campus cleaning exercise was carried out from April 14 to 28 across the university’s sprawling 400-acre area. The cleanliness drive witnessed the participation of students, faculty members, hostel residents, departments, centres, and employees. The campaign also saw the Vice-Chancellor personally visiting different blocks of the campus, interacting with students, inspecting facilities, and initiating restorative measures related to campus maintenance and infrastructure. Even after the official conclusion of the campaign, NSS volunteers were encouraged to continue the cleanliness and awareness drive for another fifteen days to sustain the momentum created during the programme.

 Academic Vision, Safety & Campus Welfare:

The university administration has also moved toward strengthening institutional governance and academic planning. An all-faculty meeting was convened during which the Vice-Chancellor outlined his vision for the university, focusing on academic excellence, research culture, discipline, transparency, and holistic development. In line with these objectives, work has also begun on the preparation of a ‘White Paper’ keeping in view the goals of NEP 2020, NAAC accreditation requirements, and NIRF rankings.

The administration has also addressed several long-pending matters within a short span of time. Pending CAS promotions were cleared, repair and upkeep work in hostels was expedited, and an online grievance redressal mechanism for students was initiated to improve responsiveness and accountability. Special patrolling teams have been formed to monitor the university premises every evening from 7 PM onwards in an effort to ensure the safety and security of students and staff members. 

Alumni Engagement:

The Vice-Chancellor has also sought to strengthen the university’s relationship with its alumni community. On April 28, following the conclusion of the Swacchata Abhijan, he met members of the Alumni Association of Utkal University and held discussions on collaborative efforts toward transforming the university into a world-class institution.

 Commitment to NEP & Skill India:

The university’s engagement with larger educational reforms has continued as well. The Vice-Chancellor recently participated in a workshop on the implementation of the NEP-2020 organised by the Higher Education Department. Efforts are also being made to improve students’ employability and industry exposure. Under a collaboration with Skill India mission, students from various departments visited the World Skill Centre (WSC) here to explore internship opportunities and gain awareness about emerging skill-based careers.

Coming Up:  

Looking ahead to the university’s centenary celebrations in 2043, the administration has also initiated work on documenting the institutional history of Utkal University. The university is planning to organize a media conclave with the theme “Utkal @2043: The Centenary Conversation” in July and the launching of academic audits across departments.

The Vice-Chancellor’s tenure has already been marked by visible administrative activity, grassroots engagement, and attempts to build a renewed sense of participation and purpose across the university community, the release stated.