Vice-chancellor of Ravenshaw University, professor Baishnab Charan Tripathy, in Cuttack. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, Nov. 21: Newly appointed vice-chancellor of Ravenshaw University in Cuttack professor Baishnab Charan Tripathy said he planned to establish a cell that would address the grievances of students.

“I will enforce discipline through bilateral discussion, meet students at least twice a month to listen to their views and take immediate steps to settle their problems. I would also take special care of the academically weaker students to improve their standard,” said Tripathy, who was appointed Ravenshaw’s second vice-chancellor on Saturday.

He shared his vision with The Telegraph in his document, which he presented before the governor during the selection process for the coveted post of vice-chancellor of the premier university.

“The bulk of my vision document comprised ideas regarding bringing about academic reforms. I want to revise the courses of studies as per the guidelines of University Grants Commission (UGC) and these courses would be on the lines of the new educational policies of the government of India,” said Tripathy.

He said he also wanted to introduce a semester system at the undergraduate level, invite subject experts and eminent academicians for special lectures, encourage debates and discussion among students and teachers to make the former conscious of social courses while pursuing professional courses.

“But above all, my target also includes making students aware of social needs and their responsibilities, monitoring classroom activities, inspiring teachers to counsel students,” he said.

Besides strengthening the existing centres of study and infrastructure at the varsity, Tripathy has plans to set up various schools such as life sciences, geo-physics, computational sciences, space and planetary sciences with PhD programmes in astronomy, law and governance, women empowerment and inclusive growth, planning and architecture and, creative and performing arts.

“The academic calendar would be strictly adhered to. Examinations would be conducted and results would be out on time. Malpractice in examinations would not be tolerated. The placement process for professional courses would be strengthened,” he said, adding that coaching classes would be held for aspirants of central and state civil services, Railway Service Commission, Staff Selection Commission and banking exams.

As far as developmental activities are concerned, he said he would prepare a master plan for the new campus and envelop it in government grants and mobilise resources from the UGC. “My agenda also includes construction of separate buildings for new and old departments, new hostels for girls and boys, quarters for teaching and non-teaching staff, modern gym and playground on the new campus,” he said.

Tripathy, who wants to adopt the JNU model for Ravenshaw University, also wishes to develop infrastructural facilities for shopping, canteen, bank and a health centre. He said he was yet to get an official communiqué regarding his date of joining.

Earlier, eyebrows had been raised over the selection procedure for the post of vice-chancellor of Ravenshaw University. A search committee constituted by governor M.C. Bhandare to shortlist candidates for the post had met on October 24 to name a successor for Devdas Chhotray, whose second term as vice-chancellor came to an end last month.

However, it was alleged that the committee met only for four hours and picked three names, including Tripathy’s, without going through the details of 95 other professors. The other two shortlisted professors were Hemant Patra and Sadasiva Pradhan, both from Utkal University.

A petition was submitted to the governor to look into the selection procedure. Several academicians have expressed surprise that no one from Ravenshaw had been picked during the selection.

Former principal of Ravenshaw College, professor Pravat Kumar Mishra said this gave an impression that the university lacked quality professors and academicians. He also said the committee should have spelt out the reasons for rejecting candidates.

The committee included former chief secretary D.P. Bagchi as nominee of the syndicate of Ravenshaw University, G.N. Quazi, former vice-chancellor of the Jamia Hamdard University, as nominee of the University Grants Commission and Susila Kaushik, retired professor of Delhi University, as the chancellor’s nominee.