Odisha: Poor research output turns out to be Utkal University’s undoing

BHUBANESWAR: The CAG report tabled in the assembly and the NIRF rankings released on Friday point to poor research output at Utkal University. The state’s premier university got only 13.78 marks out of 100 in research and professional practice, which is the reason behind it managing 87th rank overall.
Four other institutions from the state, including two private universities, have found a place in NIRF’s top-100 list. The CAG report stated that only one patent was filed by the university between 2014 and 2019. It was done in 2017-18, but had not been granted till the time of audit. As regards consultancies, Utkal University had received Rs 71.74 lakh as receipts for four consultancy projects between 2014-19, read the CAG report.
Educationists said the university seriously needs motivation to strengthen its research ecosystem. Asoka Kumar Das, vice-chairman of Odisha State Higher Education Council and former vice-chancellor of the university, said, “All stakeholders should work together to strengthen the research ecosystem. We have started work in this direction. Hopefully, the goal will be achieved,” Das said.
Siba Prasad Adhikary, former VC of FM University and former professor of Utkal University, said, “Out of 257 sanctioned posts, 126 are lying vacant in Utkal University. If you do not have half of your faculty posts, how can you think about research?” Adhikary asked.
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