Odisha to separate Plus II colleges from Plus III from 2017-18 academic year

Update: Plus II Colleges Separated In Odisha; Board Exam In First Year

BHUBANESWAR: Higher Education Minister Pradeep Panigrahi on Tuesday said Plus II and Plus III colleges would be segregated from the 2017-18 academic session in Odisha.

Panigrahi said while the Plus-III colleges will continue to remain under the Higher Education Department, the Plus-II colleges will be brought under the School and Mass Education department.

Sources said a decision in this regard had been taken to bring reforms and boost infrastructure development in higher education in the state.

In pursuance of a blueprint prepared for the bifurcation, the Odisha government has decided to separate the two courses.

Sources said the modalities for separation of these courses are being prepared.

The state, which was losing funds worth more than Rs 130 Cr every year, will be able to get more assistance for curriculum and infrastructure development under Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan.

The junior colleges will be eligible for grants only after bifurcation from the degree colleges.

The state government took the move to segregate the courses after discussing the matter with the Union Human Resources Development Ministry.

The government has provided Rs 53 crore during 2013-14, Rs 95 crore each in 2014-15 and 2015-16 for upgradation of infrastructure in colleges.

There are around 700 colleges in the state which offer both Plus II and Plus III courses. In addition to this, there are another 750 colleges which offer only Plus II courses.

The state government had decided to separate Plus II from Plus III colleges and make Plus II part of school education in 1989.

According to a state government notification published on July 31, 1989, the separation process was supposed to be completed within three years (by the 1991-1992 academic year).

No student was to be allowed admission in Plus II classes in composite college having both Plus II and Plus III with effect from the 1990-91 academic year.

The government had even announced that affiliation by the Council of Higher Secondary Education would not be granted to degree colleges to open Plus II classes with effect from 1989-90.