Vikram Deb Autonomous College Jeypore is in the process of transitioning into a university.

On Thursday, the state government declared their intentions to upgrade Vikram Deb Autonomous College in Jeypore, Koraput district, to a university. Chief minister Naveen Patnaik gave his approval to the proposal prior to his attendance of the college’s platinum jubilee event, which will take place on Friday.

The education division released a declaration on Thursday concerning the advancement of the college to a university by varying the region of Berhampur University. The notice specified that the new university will be known as Vikram Deb University starting from the date of declaration in the Odisha Gazette.

The official sources declared that the degree colleges existing in the districts of Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada and Nabarangpur will now be administered by the Vikram Deb University. This new university will reduce the workload on Berhampur University, which previously controlled the degree colleges of the former Koraput district. Naveen was delighted by the decision, noting that the requests of the scholars and students of the unified Koraput district were finally granted.

The institution, which was established on July 1, 1947 and occupies an area of 15 acres, has around 4000 students. It runs 16 postgraduate and 17 undergraduate programmes in the arts, science, and commerce fields. Naveen stated in a press release that this move will be a major step forward for higher education in South Odisha, and will benefit thousands of students from Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri, and Nabarangpur districts.

Tara Prasad Bahinipati, the Jeypore MLA and leader of the platinum anniversary planning committee, expressed that granting Vikram Deb College college university status was a prolonged appeal of the citizens in the area. “We are appreciative of the chief minister for satisfying our plea. The university in Jeypore will reinforce the scholastic activities of the undivided Koraput district and will be immensely supportive to the students who were relying on Berhampur University.”

The college was given its name in honor of Vikram Deb Verma, the King of the former Jeypore zamindari, who provided the land and structures necessary for its foundation. Throughout the years, the college has grown, expanded, and progressed in its mission of delivering quality education, instilling moral values, and cultivating leadership in its students.

On the special occasion, the Chief Minister will be launching a special postal stamp showcasing Koraput’s tourism, as well as unveiling the college souvenir. Additionally, they are expected to announce a package to support the development of the iconic Jagannath Sagar of Jeypore, as well as provide financial aid to the female SHGs.

Law enforcement has announced that they are taking extra precautions to prevent any disturbances during the chief minister’s visit. Around 20 platoons of police have been assigned to the area, and all vehicles entering Jeypore are being searched. According to Koraput Superintendent of Police Avinab Sonkar, the situation is stable and adequate security has been established. Additionally, officers in plain clothes have been stationed at and around the meeting location in order to monitor the events.