Bhubaneswar, Jun 4: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has urged Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to upgrade the Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology (IGIT), Sarang, into a unitary university.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, Union Minister Pradhan highlighted the institute’s legacy, academic strengths, and its potential to contribute significantly to Odisha’s industrial and educational landscape.

Established in 1982, IGIT Sarang has been serving the state for over four decades. It is currently recognized as an autonomous institution by the University Grants Commission (UGC), approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and accredited by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA).

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The institute offers a wide range of programs including Ph.D., M.Tech, MCA, B.Tech, Architecture, M.Sc., and Diploma courses, supported by qualified faculty and strong academic infrastructure.

The Union Education Minister noted that Odisha’s recent budget decisions to upgrade Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT), Burla, and Odisha University of Technology and Research (OUTR), Bhubaneswar, into world-class institutions were commendable.

He proposed that IGIT Sarang should also be elevated to a unitary university to ensure parity and strengthen the state’s technical education ecosystem.

Located strategically between the industrial hubs of Dhenkanal and Angul, IGIT Sarang has immense potential to foster industry-linked research, innovation, and skill development.

Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized that granting unitary university status would enhance academic autonomy, attract top faculty, and promote advanced research collaborations. It would also encourage multidisciplinary education and expand opportunities for students, while contributing to Odisha’s industrial growth and innovation landscape.

The Union Minister further highlighted IGIT’s collaborations with IIT Bombay through virtual labs and with the India Meteorological Department for internship opportunities, underscoring its commitment to modern, industry-relevant education.

He stressed that upgrading IGIT would not only strengthen Odisha’s technical education but also align with the vision of “Viksit Odisha 2036,” positioning the state as a hub for global technical education.