File picture of students at a science practical class at a college lab in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 24: The department of higher education has directed government and private colleges to upgrade their laboratory equipment within five weeks, failing which recognition of their science subjects could be withdrawn.

The directive calls for procuring the necessary equipment and chemicals by October 31 to facilitate practical classes. The department has allocated Rs 2 crore for purchase of new equipment in the 2013-14 academic year.

It has particularly asked the college authorities to ensure that one instrument or equipment is not used by more than two students for performing experiments.

Colleges not complying with the guidelines will run the risk of losing recognition of the lab subject from the state government, apart from action being initiated against the principal concerned.

“There has to be sufficient equipment as compared to the sanctioned strength of students. If squad members of the department, who visit colleges at regular intervals, find any complaints, the department will be forced to withdraw the recognition of those lab subjects,” said a senior officer of the department.

He added that the aim of this exercise was to make sure that students got access to scientific equipment, chemicals and infrastructure.

“We are also trying to find a solution to the inadequate number of teaching and non-teaching staff in the science departments,” he said.

“Laboratories in most colleges, especially private ones, have been lying ill-equipped. The private colleges make tall claims during the admission season to attract maximum students, but their graduates do not even know the fundamentals of science subjects,” said the officer.

The colleges have also been asked to make sufficient books available in the libraries. “Libraries must have 90 per cent textbooks and 10 per cent reference books for the students. We have asked the colleges to avoid the purchase of key question and answer books,” the officer said.

In June this year, all government colleges had been asked to submit their respective proposals and apply for funds.