File picture of Gangadhar Meher (Autonomous) College in Sambalpur

Sambalpur, March 14: The state government has initiated steps to convert Gangadhar Meher (Autonomous) College into a unitary university.

The department of higher education has sought a report from the college authority on its existing infrastructure.

The difference between a regular university and a unitary university is that the latter, such as Ravenshaw, cannot have affiliated colleges. College principal Gangadhar Mishra said: “A task force on higher education had recommended upgrade of the institution. The government has now responded to the recommendation.”

“The Gangadhar Meher College fulfils all the criteria to become a unitary university,” said Mishra.

He said: “An institution needs to have 15 acres in urban area to become a unitary university. The premier college, which was established in 1944, has more than 38 acres and 4,884 students on its roll.”

“In India, only 1.6 per cent students opt for research work. Granting unitary university status to Gangadhar Meher College will pave way for higher studies and research by students of this locality,” he said. There are 46 lecturers in the college against the sanctioned post of 119.

However, the college authority has engaged nine retired lecturers, 34 contractual lecturers, two junior research fellows and eight MPhil students in teaching responsibilities. The college received the status of centre for excellence in 2009. It was declared autonomous in 1991.