**Executive Summary**
This document is an answer to an unstarred question in Lok Sabha (Question No. 313, answered on 02.02.2026) regarding the shortage of infrastructure in the Central University of Odisha (CUO). It addresses the government's awareness, funding, construction status, and accreditation of CUO. The Minister of State in the Ministry of Education provided the answer.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Funding and Infrastructure:**
* CUO has been provided with adequate financial support for the construction of its permanent campus.
* A total of Rs.747.68 crore has been sanctioned as grant-in-aid.
* Rs.326.97 crore has been released by the University Grants Commission (UGC), based on fund utilisation.
* Academic activities are being conducted using existing infrastructure facilities, and appropriate measures are being taken to strengthen facilities.
* **Faculty:**
* CUO currently has 70 faculty members in position.
* Faculty recruitment is a continuous process, conducted according to the Act, Statutes, and applicable university rules.
* **Accreditation:**
* CUO was accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in 2017 with Grade B+.
**Impact Analysis**
**CUO Administration and Staff**
* **Impact:** CUO administration and staff are assured of the government's awareness of their infrastructure needs and the financial support provided. They also see that recruitment happens in accordance with existing laws.
* **Action Required:** Continue to efficiently utilize the sanctioned funds for construction and maintenance of infrastructure. Continue with the ongoing faculty recruitment process.
**Students of CUO**
* **Impact:** Students benefit from ongoing improvements to infrastructure, faculty strength, and student facilities.
* **Action Required:** N/A
Key Entities Referenced
Central University of Odisha (CUO): The main subject of the parliamentary question, regarding infrastructure and funding.
University Grants Commission (UGC): Agency responsible for releasing funds to the Central University of Odisha.
Koraput, Odisha: Location of the Central University of Odisha which is central to the applicability of the policy.
Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA): One of the funding sources for the Central University of Odisha
Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA): One of the funding sources for the Central University of Odisha
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.313
ANSWERED ON 02.02.2026
Shortage of Infrastructure in Central University at Koraput, Odisha
313. Shri Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka:
Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware that the Central University of Odisha at Koraput,
located in a tribal and backward region is facing serious shortages of infrastructure,
faculty and student facilities which adversely affect academic quality and
enrolment;
(b) the total funds sanctioned and released to the University since its establishment
under Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA), Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha
Abhiyan (RUSA) and other Central schemes along with year-wise utilisation;
(c) the present status of construction of the permanent campus including academic
blocks, hostels, laboratories and staff quarters and the reasons for persistent
delays;
(d) whether the University has been assessed by UGC and NAAC, if so, the details of
accreditation status thereof; and
(e) if not, the corrective steps directed by these bodies to address deficiencies in
infrastructure, staffing and governance?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
(DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR)
(a) to (e): Central University of Odisha (CUO) has been provided adequate
financial support for its construction of permanent campus. A total of Rs.747.68 crore
has been sanctioned as grant-in-aid to CUO for construction of its permanent campus
of which Rs.326.97 crore has been released by University Grants Commission (UGC),
based on the utilisation of funds. The academic activities in the university are being
conducted using the existing completed infrastructure facilities i.e. Academic Blocks,
Library Buildings, Hostels, Staff Quarters, Guest House etc., without facing any
difficulties and appropriate measures are taken from time to time to strengthen its
infrastructure, faculty strength and student facilities. As on date, CUO has 70 faculty
members in position. Recruitment of faculty is a continuous process, and is undertaken
in accordance with the Act, Statutes and applicable rules of the university.
CUO has been accredited by National Assessment and Accreditation Council
(NAAC) in 2017 with Grade B+.
***