Govt seeks explanation from colleges in Odisha reporting zero admission

Bhubaneswar: The Higher Education Department has taken a step to identify degree colleges that are witnessing zero admission in certain subjects. It has sought information from these colleges, including government colleges, through a letter issued on Friday.
"It has come to the notice of the government that degree colleges are experiencing zero admission in certain subjects in consecutive years, which is a matter of concern and affects the quality and viability of higher education," said the office of the Regional Directorate of Education (RDE), Bhubaneswar, in the letter to degree colleges.
RDE Bhubaneswar has also issued a show-cause notice to three colleges for reporting zero admission during the last two years. These colleges were from Khurda, Jajpur, and Dhenkanal districts. "You are requested to explain as to why your institution shall not be closed for admission in the upcoming academic session 2024-25 under the Student Academic Management System (SAMS)," said the official letter of the regional directorate of the department.
Similarly, RDE Sambalpur on Friday issued notices to 23 colleges that are reporting zero admission in certain subjects. Out of these, nine colleges are from Sundargarh district, four from Balangir, three each from Subarnapur and Kalahandi districts, and one each from Sambalpur, Bargarh, Jharsuguda, and Nuapada district.
It includes some government colleges too. Some of them are Govt Women’s College, Titilagarh; Sushilabati Govt Women’s College, Rourkela; Govt Autonomous College, Rourkela; and Govt Women’s College, Sundargarh.
"It is observed that no student has taken admission in certain subjects of your colleges during the session 2023-24. The Higher Education Department has directed an inquiry into this matter and to furnish a comprehensive report within seven days," read a letter from RDE to the principals of the 23 colleges.
The department will take further steps after getting more information regarding colleges with zero admission subjects. "It may close the colleges which are reporting zero admission for several years," said a department officer.