5T Secretary V K Pandian Reviews Master Plan To Transform OUTR Into Centre Of Excellence In Engineering Studies

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha University of Technology and Research is all set to become a Centre of Excellence in the field of Engineering Education in the country. On the instructions of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Secretary to CM (5T) VK Pandian today visited the OUTR campus in Ghatikia on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar to assess the state of infrastructure development at the university.

Previously known as the College of Engineering and Technology, the OUTR today has made a name for itself for quality technological institution of the country. The State Cabinet under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had approved a proposal to transform the Bhubaneswar-based government-run College of Engineering and Technology (CET) into Odisha University of Technology and Research (OUTR) in July last year.

The Odisha Assembly had passed the Odisha University of Technology and Research Bill 2021, clearing way for the upgradation and rechristening of CET into a non-affiliating Odisha University of Technology and Research (OUTR) Unitary University.

Odisha 5T Secretary V K Pandian along with Secretary, Skill Development and Technical Education Department Hemant Sharma today visited the OUTR to assess the various opportunities for infrastructure development. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has approved Rs 300 crore financial assistance in the first phase for the infrastructure development at OUTR. It has also been decided to open four more academic departments in the campus.

The State Government has decided to make the OUTR into one of the premiere educational institutes in the country in the next two to three years by completing the infrastructure and development works. OUTR currently has 26 departments and over 4000 students.

During his visit, the 5T Secretary made elaborate discussions with the university authorities and staff members about the proposed master plan for infra development and necessary facilities for the students. The 5T Secretary also visited various laboratories and the smart classes at the university. He also interacted with the students from various departments of the university and took feedback from them.