Koraput: The Central University of Odisha, situated at Sunabeda in the district, lacks basic infrastructure required for holding classes and accommodating hostel inmates even after a decade since its establishment.

"The varsity lacks academic building to conduct classes and most of the students are forced to stay outside due to lack of hostels. Besides, there is no auditorium, shopping complex and amenities building on the campus. We have demanded for proper infrastructure many times but no avail," said a varsity student.

The varsity was established in the year 2009 and is spread over an area of over 400 acres at Sunabeda. At present, the varsity has 14 departments with student strength of around 850.

"Academic activities have taken a backseat due to lack of adequate number of teaching staff. Out of 104 sanctioned posts of teaching staff members, including professors, associate professors and assistant professors, the varsity has only one associate professor and 16 assistant professors for its 14 departments," said a student.

An official said efforts had been made in past two years to improve the infrastructure and academic environment of the varsity by providing internet facility and e-library facility to students and teaching staff members. Two boys' and girls' hostels have been made operational on the permanent campus of the varsity.

According to an official, a series of projects, including the construction of at least five academic blocks, one three-storey hostel buildings each for boys and girls, one amenities building, one shopping complex, one cafeteria, two warden buildings, a 1000 capacity auditorium and staff quarters have been sent to the Union ministry of human resource development, University Grant Commission and Educational Consultants India Limited for their approval.

"We have sent several reminders to the authorities concerned to sanction the projects for its speedy implementations but to no avail. Recently, in January, we sent another reminder but no steps were taken," said vice-chancellor Sachidananda Mohanty.

"Once the projects are sanctioned then there is no dearth of funds to execute the projects," Mohanty said admitting that a lot more needs to be done to strengthen the infrastructure of the varsity.

According to the vice-chancellor, 44 contractual staff members have been appointed to ensure that the academic activities were not affected.

"Once we get the approval from the ministry, then permanent staff members will be appointed," he said.

On last Thursday the varsity was closed sine die till further orders as students staged a protest demanding fulfilment of their 60 listed demands.