The State Government’s announcement to open an Open University in Sambalpur has evoked lukewarm response in the district.
Terming it as a small consolation for the people of Sambalpur in particular and Western Odisha in general, economist and academician Dilip Panda said the Government should first correct the prevailing weaknesses and lacunae in the educational system, which is in a shambles throughout Western Odisha. “The State Government should take up the responsibility of improving the quality of education in the existing institutions before going for Open University,” he said. The Government should utilise `35 crore budget for the Open University towards development of colleges and schools in the region.
Reacting sharply to the announcement, chief spokesperson of BJP Suresh Pujari said, “The announcement can hardly be appreciated as the schools and colleges in the region remain in poor condition. A large number of staff vacancies in schools and colleges is affecting the quality of education.”
Though former MP Sriballav Panigrahi welcomed the step, he said this will not serve the purpose of improving quality of education as the institutions lack adequate staff and infrastructure.
