The Department of Science and Technology recently held a meeting to deliberate on a proposal aimed at elevating the Institute of Mathematics and Applications (IMA) in Bhubaneswar to the status of a unitary university. Speaking to Times Of India, the Science and Technology Minister Ashok Chandra Panda stated that the state government has a blueprint in place for the transformation of this institution into a university.

“Before taking any such step, necessary infrastructure should be developed. Let the institute send their recommendations on this matter. We will discuss this after getting the recommendations,” he emphasized.

The meeting, chaired by Chithra Arumugam, the secretary of the science and technology department, took place on November 28. Gokulananda Das, former vice-chancellor of Utkal University and ex-chairman of the governing council of IMA, stated, “After this institute gets the university tag, it will get academic freedom and stop depending on Utkal University for different approval.”

Further, Gokulananda Das explained that once the institute becomes a university, it will have the authority to formulate its question papers, conduct examinations, and independently publish results. “It can also start new PG courses, specializations, and departments. The proposed university will provide an industry-academia interface to link students/researchers with industry/market. It can also collaborate with reputed academic and research and development (R&D) organizations in India and abroad for academic interaction,” the former vice-chancellor told TOI.

Jasobanta Jena, the institute’s director, mentioned that they have submitted a proposal to the state government seeking the elevation of the institute to university status. He added, “After getting the proposal, the science and technology department has conducted a review meeting recently on this matter.”

The director further explained that the envisioned university aims to offer a comprehensive approach encompassing mathematics, statistics, mathematical physics, computer science, and finance. According to Jena, this institution would be unique in the country, providing specialized knowledge in mathematics and its applications, along with related subjects, as per a report by TOI.

At present, the institute lacks permanent supporting staff. In addition to infrastructure development, there is a need for an increased workforce, including faculty, research scholars, and supporting staff, to achieve excellence. Introducing cutting-edge courses to attract bright students is also essential. A faculty member at the institute expressed optimism, stating, “University status will solve many problems of our institution.”

In the previous year, the state government allocated Rs 10 crore for the institute’s infrastructure development in the initial phase. This funding will be utilized for constructing a new library building, guest house, staff quarters, director’s bungalow, and other facilities within the campus.