Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a pivotal meeting at Lok Sabha Bhawan today to discuss the strategic infrastructure development of Dharanidhar University (DD University) in Keonjhar. The university, which was elevated from Dharanidhar College in February 2023, currently oversees the affiliation of 38 colleges across the district.
In a bid to enhance the university’s infrastructure and academic standing, Majhi issued several key directives. He emphasized the importance of making the university self-sufficient within the next two years, directing officials to secure funding from the District Mineral Fund (DMF) and the Odisha Mineral Bearing Area Development Corporation (OMBADC) for necessary renovations. The Chief Minister also stressed the need to preserve the university’s historic building while developing a comprehensive master plan for future growth.
A major component of Majhi’s plan includes the construction of six new six-story hostels to replace the outdated and deteriorating existing facilities. He also instructed the appointment of critical positions within the university, including the controller of examinations, registrar, and controller of finance, to ensure smooth administrative operations.
Additionally, Majhi mandated the District Collector to address illegal land encroachments around the university, ensuring affected parties are rehabilitated and additional land is allocated for the university’s expansion.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Nikunj Bihari Dhal, Higher Education Commissioner-cum-Secretary Arvind Agarwal, Dharanidhar University Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Pratap Kumar Mohanty, and Keonjhar District Collector Vishal Singh, who joined via video conference.
With these comprehensive directives, Chief Minister Majhi aims to transform Dharanidhar University into a leading educational institution, enhancing its infrastructure and resources to benefit students and contribute to regional development.