The absence of Biju Patnaik University of Technology (BPUT) from Utkal University’s list of equivalent degrees has left the engineering students fuming.
Utkal University recently released a list of colleges and universities which have been granted ‘reciprocal equivalence’ of their degrees. About 175 colleges and universities have been listed in the notification issued by the university registrar. The list excludes BPUT.
The members of the BPUT Students Protection Association (BSPC) protested the omission and demanded to know the reason of the lapse. BPSC president Biplab Prakash Mohanty said with the admission dates nearing an end, many students might loose the opportunity to take admission into the courses of Utkal University due to the lapse.
A college or university has to be recognised by another university which allows their students to study in respective colleges. Utkal University’ post-graduate council chairman PK Mishra said the issue was being blown out of proportion and it was a trivial matter of paper work. “BPUT has to send a letter requesting equivalence of their degree,” said Mishra. The equivalence request is placed before the Board of Studies of the university and then the Academic Council for approval.
Sources at Utkal University said even though BPUT does not feature in the list of equivalent degrees, no deserving student has been denied admission till date.
After persistent demand by BPSC members, Utkal University officials have agreed to place the issue at the meeting of Board of Council which will meet this month.