Sambalpur: The Gangadhar Meher University (GMU) has started an open platform programme for the students, teachers and non-teaching staff to redress their grievances and discuss various development aspects of the university.

The programme, known as "Meet the Vice-Chancellor", was inaugurated on Friday to facilitate easy access of students, staff and officials to the administrative system and processes.

Inaugurating the first-of-its-kind programme in Odisha, vice-chancellor Atanu Kumar Pati pointed out that the event will reduce the distance between the students, staff and the vice-chancellor in addressing the issues and problems of the university. More than 200 students, teaching staff, members of the syndicate were present on the occasion.

The aim of the programme is to allow all students, staff and teachers to ask questions to the vice-chancellor and other officers regarding the problems and difficulties face by all. It would be an open discussion forum where problems, suggestions, criticism and constructive future initiatives and requirements will be discussed. The programme will be conducted every month on the last Saturday and anyone interested from the university will be allowed to take part in the discussion .

Pati hoped that the move would curb student unrest and unnecessary protests on the campus as problems would be sorted out through consultations and open discussion.

This platform will not only allow students and staff to communicate their issues and share their good or bad experience with everyone in front of the vice-chancellor and other officers, but will also help in building a congenial atmosphere on the campus.

All the issues will be taken care of within one months time so that the issues will be reviewed in the next "Meet the Vice-Chancellor" programme.