Sambalpur University VC CR Tripathy and (below) students on the campus. Telegraph Pictures

Sambalpur, Oct. 16: Sambalpur University’s new vice-chancellor C.R. Tripathy is willing to attach priority to research and development.

Tripathy, who is working as a professor of computer science at Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, told The Telegraph: “Industrial pollution is a major issue in this region. Emphasis will be put on the research projects about the environmental pollution in the area.”

Tripathy said: “I will try to set up a sponsored research and industrial consultancy cell in the university. The cell will emerge as a major node to bring various industry-sponsored projects. Students will get the opportunity to do better research.”

Tripathy, a native of Khurdha, had attained his bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, formerly known as the university college of engineering, Burla. He completed his master’s degree in technology and a PhD from IIT, Kharagpur.

He will assume the office after the tenure of vice-chancellor B.C. Barik ends on November 9.

“Apart from academics, the university has several other responsibilities as well. The Sambalpur University is in the midst of nine tribal districts. It should come forward and do something for the tribal youth.”

Tripathy said he would take the initiative to set up a tribal youth skill development centre in the varsity. “Young tribal men and women can be trained in several activities at the centre. They can also get employment after the training.”

Talking about the students’ placement, he said measures to establish a training and placement centre in the varsity would also be taken. “The students of Odisha are not doing well in the civil services examination as compared to other states of the country. A coaching centre for the all-India examination in the university will help them compete at the national level.”

He said the university would celebrate its golden jubilee in 2017. “Our endeavour will be to upgrade the status of the university, which has been catering to a large area for many years. The scarcity of teaching and non-teaching staff is a big challenge. Besides, funds crunch is another major area of concern.”

Tripathy, the 51st vice chancellor of the university, said the authorities would accord high priority to the problems of the students.