Rourkela: The Government Autonomous College here is poised for introduction of new courses.

From the next session, the college will have more number of postgraduation and MPhil courses. "It has been accepted by the government, and from the next session, we will have MPhil courses in English, Odia and botany," said principal Debendra Behera.

The principal also said there would be more numbers of postgraduation courses from the next session. "We will offer PG courses in history, Hindi, maths and statistics, along with the existing courses," he said.

The autonomous college offers PG in English, Odia, political science, economics, sociology and psychology. Besides, it also provides PG in commerce, physics, chemistry, zoology and botany. "We have applied for seat extension in physics and chemistry department from 16 to 32."

However, it still suffers from acute shortage of both teaching and support staff members. "We have the shortage in both teaching and support staff members."

For the PG and MPhil courses, it has 17 regular teachers as against the sanctioned 69. "We are managing with visiting faculties."

"The 300-bed girls' hostel is nearing completion, and shortly the boys' hostel of same strength will start."

Besides, construction of the three-storey academic block for Rs 7 crore will start as tenders process is nearing completion. The college is functioning in three shifts to cope with space crunch. "The Plus Two classes are held in the morning and then the graduation and postgraduation classes are held with the last continuing till five."

Construction of the gym will also start shortly with funds coming from the Western Odisha Development Council. "We already have the equipment lying with us."

Besides, work on the boys' common room will begin and funds will come from the MCL. "The Sundargarh collector has given his 'no objection' to it, and we have sent it to the MCL." Rs 86 lakh has been sanctioned for the PG department in which the Odia will function first.