Odisha was sadly neglected pertaining to education as her different parts were tagged onto Bengal, Madras and Central Provinces. Moreover, the number of High Schools in the state was very much limited. In fact, the expected number of successful candidates at the entrance examination was not available. As a natural consequence, there was no necessity for the establishment of the college in the state. As such, most of the successful candidates were employed in government offices and a few candidates aspiring for higher education had to go to Calcutta or Madras as the case may be. As time went on, the enlightened parents realized the importance of higher education in English for better employment prospect in government offices for their sons at a low cost and evinced interest for the establishment of a college at Cuttack. By then in Bengal, already several colleges were set-up both by the government and the public. But the want of a college in Orissa, tells severely on the boys’ subsequent career. On the other hand, the then Commissioner T. E. Ravenshaw could realize the backwardness of education in Orissa in comparison to other provinces of India. Obviously, in the absence of a separate province, the educational needs were overshadowed by the needs of two gigantic neighbours i.e. the Madras and Bengal Presidency. With the passing of time, Cuttack Zilla School was raised to a Collegiate school in January 1868. The Collegiate education was started with two classes only and was affiliated to Calcutta University. The State Government has come up with new guidelines for sanction of funds for infrastructure development of aided higher secondary schools. As per the guidelines, non-government aided higher secondary schools under the administrative control of the School and Mass Education department that have their own land will be eligible to get the infrastructure assistance. The schools, which have student strength of less than 500, will get Rs 20 lakh while those having more than 500 students will be eligible to get the assistance of Rs 30 lakh. Before applying for the assistance, the schools have to form a building committee comprising president of the school governing body, Principal, a representative of PWD or Rural Development department, an account official and two teachers. The building committee will finalise the plans and estimates for the development of infrastructure and will also be responsible to ensure proper utilisation of the Government fund. A committee comprising School and Mass Education Secretary and Additional Secretary and Directorate of Higher Secondary Education (DHSE) director will examine the applications before releasing the funds. While the development work will be carried out by Chief Engineers of Roads and Building and Rural Development departments, the DHSE will monitor utilisation of funds on a regular interval. Priority will be given to backward areas, KBK districts, Tribal Sub Plan areas and Girls higher secondary schools. The application for the assistance should be submitted to the DHSE by October 1. As a matter of fact, Orissa was late in implementing the new pattern of education 10+2+3. The state government adopted this system in principle by the year 1977. But the +2 courses were attached to the general colleges. The Council of Higher Secondary Education was established in 1982 for the management of +2 stages. By the year 1985, the number of affiliated colleges increased to 318. As per the decision of the state government, the existing degree colleges were permitted to open the three-year degree course by the different universities of the state in the year 1984-85.
According to the guidelines of the UGC, a revised curriculum was finalized. Steps were taken to strengthen the different faculties in affiliated colleges. The main emphasis during the seventh plan was on a consolidation of existing facilities and removal of basic infrastructural deficiencies. Gradually, extended facilities for Post- Graduate and M. Phil courses were provided in all the universities and some leading colleges of the state. According to the suggestions of NPE, 1986, steps were taken for the consolidation of existing institutions, development of autonomous colleges and lead colleges, redesigning of courses etc. For smooth administration and supervision, the Education Department of Orissa was bifurcated in December 1992 into the Department of Higher Education and Department of School and Mass Education. Moreover, Higher Secondary Vocational institutions were established. In the meantime, two more Universities were established in 1999, one at Balasore and another at Mayurbhanj. However, by the year 2003-2004, there were 1679 general colleges including +2 colleges in Orissa along with the enrolment of 5, 29000 students. Very recently Ravenshaw College has become a Unitary University by the Ravenshaw University Act-2005 and its jurisdiction is extended to the present geographical areas of the Ravenshaw College, Cuttack.
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AuthorA bookworm and a blogger, a travel enthusiast and a big foodie, love watching cartoons still and never misses a day without coffee. She loves to teach the kids and has been dedicated to community services since her childhood days. She always finds it interesting to write about schools with great vision and moto. Archives
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