Bhubaneswar, Jan. 3: The Utkal University of Culture, after failing to shift to its new campus at Madanpur near Jatni several times in the last year, has finally decided to do so by the end of March.

The decision was taken ahead of the varsity's 17th foundation day, which will be celebrated tomorrow.

Last year, the varsity had decided to shift to the new campus by April, but it did not materialise. The authorities had then rescheduled its plan to shift to Madanpur before Nabakalebar, but failed again.

President Pranab Mukherjee, during his visit to the state last November, was supposed to inaugurate the campus. But that did not work out, as the construction was not over by then.

This time, the authorities are confident of shifting to the new campus by March end.

"Around 90 per cent work is complete. Minor things such as landscaping and construction of the road leading to the campus main gate are left," said vice-chancellor Debendranath Jena.

"The Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation has promised to complete the remaining work by February. We have set a target to start the next academic session on the new campus," said Jena.

The campus at Madanpur is spread over 45 acres.

The varsity plans to introduce a course in classical Odia and several other certificate courses this year.

"As the state has already received classical status for Odia language, we have decided to start degree courses on the same," said Jena.