Utpal Kumar Dey (57), the head of mining engineering at BIT-Sindri and a 1980-batch graduate from Jharkhand’s lone state-run engineering cradle, has become the new director of his alma mater._x000D_
The state science and technology department has selected Dey for the job on the basis of seniority after his predecessor S.K. Singh retired last month at the age of 62._x000D_
Soon after taking charge on Thursday, Dey spelt out his priority with special emphasis on infrastructure, academic standard, industry relations and placement._x000D_
“Providing the best facilities and improving academic discipline will be my top priority,” Dey told The Telegraph after a meeting with the heads of all departments around 11am._x000D_
Dey, who joined the institute as a lecturer in 1985, became associated professor in 1992 and then professor in 2000, is quite aware of the problems being faced by the students._x000D_
“We will work with the state government for developing additional hostels for our students,” he said, and added that the existing hostels would be repaired._x000D_
Currently, around 3,000 students of BTech, MTech and PhD courses are lodged in 25 hostels, which ideally should accommodate around 2,200._x000D_
Moreover, most of these hostels are in a shambles with water seeping through the walls, damaged windows and doors. Also, taps and pans in most of the toilets are broken._x000D_
Regarding campus placement, Dey said the situation had improved this year against the backdrop of improving industrial productions. “Three companies have lapped up over 180 students during the campus placement drive. But we will continue our efforts to liaison with different companies operating in Jharkhand. They must provide jobs to the students of the lone state-run engineering institute in return for natural resources they are exploiting here,” he argued._x000D_
Also, Dey is also planning to focus on improving interactions with the industries to boost placement scenario._x000D_
Asked about plans to strengthen postgraduation courses, the new BIT-Sindri director said the acute shortage of teachers was a big hurdle in this regard.