'My priority will be to appoint teachers, non-teaching staff'

BHUBANESWAR: Prasan Kumar Swain, who assumed charge as vice-chancellor of the Utkal University of Culture (UUC) Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, discussed with Hemanta Pradhan about his plans for the university.
UUC is reeling under severe staff crunch. How can you address this problem?
Shortage of teaching and non-teaching staff in our university is a major concern for us. It will be my first priority to appoint teachers and non-teaching staff.
I have already met additional chief secretary Satyabrata Sahu after assuming charge of the UUC. He has assured me of help in this regard. Now we have only eight regular and 22 guest faculty members. The university cannot be run with such so few faculty members.
The institution is not included under section 12 (B) of the UGC Act 1956. Because of this, we cannot get assistance from the Centre. We cannot get this UGC status due to the lack of teachers. And most important is to get a National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) grade. But teacher shortage and non-inclusion of the institution under section 12 (B) of UGC Act, do not allow us to go for NAAC assessment.
What is your plan for the university?
Our institution is different from other universities. We focus on discussion, research and teaching on Odisha's culture. We will try to save the culture during this era of globalisation.
But we will do all these activities by following rules and regulations of the UGC. We will try to improve the pupil-eacher ratio in the university apart from recruiting non-teaching staff. I have 31 years of teaching experience and I will utilise my experience to create a good educational environment on the campus.
Is there any plan to document cultural activities of the state?
Food is an important part of our culture. There is a relation between Odia food and Jagannath culture. We should give importance to Odia food at different places instead of eating junk food or fast food.
Many people do not know the recipe of authentic Odia food. It is getting diluted. We will try to work in this sector. As a part of this idea, we will try to introduce Odia food in our hostel canteen.
What steps can you take to connect the students with alumni of the UUC?
I had documented names and other details of students, scholars, teachers of Odia department of Berhampur University from 1968. I will try to create such a catalogue in the UUC. There is a plan to connect with alumni of the university. I will take care of the alumni part. We will also invite our distinguished alumni to our university.