State technical education department in Bhubaneswar. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 29: The department of employment, technical education and training has urged the All India Council for Technical Education to grant approval to Government Engineering College at Kalahandi at the earliest.

Established in 2009, the college is yet to get a council approval. With its first batch of students ready to graduate this year, the college is making all efforts to get the approval done.

The council had refused to accord approval to the institute citing certain shortcomings in the college infrastructure. The council had reasoned that the college did not have sufficient laboratory, library and faculty position required for the grant of approval. In its letter to the council, the department has stated that all the shortcomings have been taken care of.

“All the deficiencies, pointed out by the council, have been complied with except the appointment of regular faculties as per the council norms. Steps have already been taken for creation of posts of additional faculties in a regular manner for the above institution,” said a senior official in the department, adding that it was being ensured that the theory and practical classes were not affected.

“Soon additional faculties will be appointed on regular basis after creation of posts through open advertisements following the council norms,” the official said.

At present, eight teachers are employed for over 1,000 students in various branches of computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and civil engineering.

“The Kalahandi college has never faced problems in admission. The seats are always filled up and we have students from all over the state, a good number of them from Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. We are trying to get the council approval at the earliest, so that students do not face any problem,” said principal D. Patanaik.

“Although the students will get certificates from the BPUT, the council approval will ensure that they do not face any hurdle in pursuing higher education,” said Patanaik.