GUWAHATI, June 15 - The Department of Biotechnology�s Star status was granted to the departments of Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics of Jawaharlal Nehru College of Boko on May 31 last at an evaluation conducted from April 18 to 20 by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India at Pondicherry University, a press release received here stated.
It goes without saying that the above is a unique distinction for the college since it is the only institution of Assam and the second in the North East after St Edmunds College of Shillong to be awarded this status.
The Star scheme was initiated by the DBT in 2008 to support improvement in undergraduate science education across the country. This scheme has been divided into two categories, viz strengthening of support and grant of Star status. The criteria for final grant of Star status are very stringent and the budget provisions too are almost double for those accorded the status.
It may be mentioned here that Jawaharlal Nehru College (Science departments) had initially been included within the strengthening component of the scheme in 2014 along with several other colleges of Assam. Since then, the coordinator of the scheme implementation, Dr Tapan Dutta along with other faculties of the five Science departments under the guidance and support of Principal Dr Nripen Goswami had been relentlessly engaged in research work and student performance enhancement activities.
It is anticipated that following award of this status, the college will be spurred on further in its pursuit of excellence and innovation in the field of Science education.
