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Gauhati University�s position improves

By R Dutta Choudhury

GUWAHATI, June 25 - Despite facing various challenges, the Gauhati University has been able to improve its ranking in the national level and introduction of new courses and student exchange programmes with foreign universities also helped in improving the image of the university. However, despite the recent efforts in improving the infrastructure of the university, a lot needs to be done as regards the condition of some of the hostels, while, there is need for further augmenting the security measures as was evident from a recent molestation case.

The Gauhati University was graded in the A category by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), while, it was ranked 11th among the State run universities of the country by India Today. The India Today rankings, which were declared yesterday, were based on various factors like research, placement, public perception etc. The Jawaharlal Nehru University was ranked first in the list.

Talking to The Assam Tribune, acting Registrar of the University, Dr NG Mahanta said that in the last few years, a lot of improvement of infrastructure has taken place in the University, which include improvement of the quality of the auditorium, buildings of Arts faculty, Institute of Science and Technology, guest house etc while, a new hostel with a capacity to house 300 students is being constructed. However, at the same time, he admitted that there is need for improving the condition of the old Assam Type hostels.

Security is always a concern, but the university now has a closed campus with security guards posted at the entry points and around 50 CCTV cameras have been installed. Dr Mahanta admitted that the recent incident of molestation of a student is �very unfortunate� and efforts would be made to further augment the security of the university campus.

Dr Mahanta said that the Centre for South East Asian Studies in the University would be able to play a major role in implementation of the Act East Policy of the Government of India. Already students from countries like Thailand, Nepal and Laos visited the University for undergoing courses under the student exchange programme. He revealed that the Centre has been conducting studies on various aspects like ethnic relations between the North East and South East Asian countries, border trade etc. During such research programmes, the Centre found one interesting village along the India-Myanmar border where one member of a family works in Myanmar police force, while, another works as a teacher in Nagaland.

On introduction of new job oriented courses in the University, Dr Mahanta said the Cancer biology course, introduced recently, would be of great help for the students and those fighting the disease, while, the integrated commerce and business course would be of immense help for the students. He said that the Institute of Science and Technology of the University is also doing very good work in research.

The pre-examination training centre is helping the students to prepare for the competitive examinations and a number of students got into the Assam Civil Services this year. A placement officer has also been posted in the Centre to help out the students.

The University�s own revenue generation has improved but the State Government has directed the University authorities to bring down the teaching and non teaching staff ratio to 1:1.5 and efforts are on in this regard.

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