ASET seeks Central University status for Sambalpur University

ASET of Sambalpur University renewed its long-pending demand for Central University status at a meeting held in the university auditorium on Wednesday, 04 September 2026. The association said the state government had failed to fulfil a promise made during the 2024 elections to grant the institution Central University status. ASET argued that the university’s location in western Odisha gives it a strategic role in serving a region with a substantial tribal population as well as economically and socially disadvantaged communities. It noted that the university already runs academic and research initiatives focused on tribal and marginalised groups and could expand its contribution to social inclusion and human development with greater institutional support.

What did ASET demand?

ASET said the university’s research potential supports its demand for Central University status. The association highlighted that the institution offers several PhD programmes across disciplines, undertakes numerous research projects funded by various agencies, and hosts two Centres of Excellence that focus on specialised areas of study. ASET argued that Central University status would provide greater access to funding from the Union government, which could be used to expand and modernise laboratories, upgrade research facilities, increase faculty strength through new appointments, enhance student support services such as scholarships and counselling, and launch interdisciplinary academic programmes that encourage collaboration across schools. The association added that these improvements would enable the university to play a larger role in addressing the educational and developmental needs of the western Odisha region.

What are the next steps?

ASET advisor and former MP Bhabani Shankar Hota said, “We received an overwhelming response at the meeting and have now resolved to meet the Governor to discuss the issue. If these efforts fail to yield any visible result, we will take out a protest march and organise a major convention at Sambalpur.” He noted that the association had earlier submitted a proposal in this regard to former Union education minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan in February 2024 and had also approached the Prime Minister’s Office over the issue. Hota added that the overwhelming response at the auditorium meeting reflected broad support among students, employees, and teachers for upgrading the university’s status, and that the next steps would involve sustained engagement with both state and central authorities to achieve the desired outcome.

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