Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has called upon the Odisha state government to elevate the Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology (IGIT), Sarang, located in Dhenkanal district, to the status of a unitary university. In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Pradhan emphasized that this upgrade is crucial for bolstering technical education in the Dhenkanal-Angul region, which is currently experiencing rapid industrial expansion.
Recognition of Existing Initiatives
Pradhan commended the state government's decision to transform the Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT) and the Odisha University of Technology and Research (OUTR) into world-class technical universities, along with the budgetary allocation for the fiscal year 2026-27 to support this transformation. He argued that IGIT-Sarang, with its over four decades of academic excellence in technical education, deserves similar recognition.
Institute's Credentials and Potential
Established in 1982, IGIT-Sarang is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Situated within the Dhenkanal-Angul industrial belt, the institute holds significant potential to drive industry-oriented research, innovation, and skill development, according to the Union minister. Granting it unitary university status would offer greater academic autonomy, facilitate multi-disciplinary education, attract distinguished faculty members, and strengthen research activities.
Broader Impact
Pradhan further stated that upgrading IGIT-Sarang to a unitary university would not only reinforce Odisha's technical education landscape but also significantly contribute to the state's industrial development, innovation ecosystem, and research output. Expressing confidence in the proposal, the Union minister noted that this move aligns with the vision of Viksit Odisha-2036 and would help establish IGIT-Sarang as a leading center of technical education with national and international recognition.
