In a significant development for media and communication education in eastern India, Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B), Government of India, visited the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) Dhenkanal today. His visit marked a crucial step toward reviewing the institute’s infrastructure development and charting out its strategic roadmap for academic and institutional growth.
Comprehensive Review of Campus Infrastructure
During the campus tour, Shri Jaju meticulously inspected key infrastructure facilities including the boys’ and girls’ hostels, academic block, audio-visual studios, and the administrative block. He took note of the ongoing renovation and modernization efforts aimed at enhancing the learning environment and residential facilities for students.
Shri Jaju’s visit was part of the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening regional centers of excellence in media and communication across India. His hands-on approach emphasized the government’s active involvement in uplifting the standards of public media education institutions.
Dialogue with Regional Leadership
In an in-depth interaction with Prof. Dr. Anand Pradhan, Regional Director of IIMC Dhenkanal, Shri Jaju was apprised of the campus’s academic achievements, infrastructural challenges, and expansion plans. Prof. Pradhan highlighted the pressing need for the following:
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Introduction of Postgraduate (MA) programmes to broaden academic offerings
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Enhancement of student intake capacity to meet growing demand
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Strengthening industry-academia partnerships for skill development and real-world exposure
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Improved residential and academic infrastructure to meet contemporary standards
The discussion also covered the potential for IIMC Dhenkanal to become a major media education hub in eastern India, catering not just to Odisha but to neighboring states as well.
Ministry’s Full Support Assured
Shri Jaju expressed satisfaction with the renovation and developmental work underway. He lauded the efforts of the IIMC Dhenkanal team and assured the institute of continued and full support from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
He emphasized the importance of aligning the campus’s growth with national priorities in digital communication, regional journalism, and media literacy. Shri Jaju noted that the institute plays a vital role in nurturing the next generation of media professionals, especially in underrepresented and rural regions of India.
Vision for IIMC Dhenkanal
Under the guidance of the Ministry and with the leadership of Prof. Dr. Anand Pradhan, IIMC Dhenkanal aims to:
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Expand academic programmes to include specialized and research-oriented courses
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Foster inclusive and regional representation in media education
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Collaborate with national and international institutions for academic excellence
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Serve as a centre of excellence in media and communication studies for eastern India
