Odisha MP demands central varsity status for Utkal University

Bhubaneswar: Lok Sabha member Achyuta Samanta demanded for central varsity status to Utkal University, Odisha’s premier educational institution.

Participating in a debate on Motion of Thanks to President’s address in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, Samanta put forth his demand for the Utkal University.

Besides, he demanded for a second Central University in a tribal-dominated district of Odisha.

Hailing Odisha Chief Minister in the House, the parliamentarian from Kandhamal Lok Sabha Constituency said that for CM Naveen Patnaik, Odisha has set an example for entire country in education, health, women’s empowerment, social security, sports, culture, protection of ancient heritage and monuments, and the empowerment of farmers and peasants. Even, reservations have been made for government school students in engineering and medical colleges in the State.

So if the Centre cooperates in making Utkal University a Central University, Odisha will set an example in the field of education in the country, he said.

Samanta also demanded that Odisha be given a special focus on natural disasters and provide special assistance in dealing with natural disasters.

He also demanded the Union Government to provide more support for the classical recognition of Odissi music, the reduction of GST on kendu leaves from 18 per cent to 5 per cent, the establishment of an international airport in Puri, the revision of the Employee Pension Scheme 1995, and the development of sports infrastructure in rural areas.