DARJEELING,: The University Grants Commission (UGC)
has granted autonomous status to Salesian College which has its units in
Siliguri and Sonada.
The Salesian College, first such
institution in the North Bengal region to receive the autonomy, is now
empowered to independently formulate its courses, syllabi, routines and conduct
examinations without requiring prior permissions from external agencies.
Fr. Babu Joseph, the principal of
Salesian College at Sonada, said “This achievement comes after rigorous
evaluation and approval by the UGC, and now the college in both its Siliguri
and Sonada units has the autonomy to design and implement its own academic
programs, assessments and examination systems. This status provides the college
with greater flexibility to tailor its curriculum to meet the evolving needs of
students and industry demands, fostering a dynamic and responsive learning
environment.”
With this autonomy, Salesian College can
introduce new courses, update existing ones and collaborate with industry
leaders to ensure students receive a comprehensive and relevant education.
Fr. Babu Joseph emphasized that the
college, being one of the oldest under the University of North Bengal, had
earned recognition for its quality in education from the National Assessment
and Accreditation Council (NAAC), receiving an 'A' grade in its third cycle of
accreditation. The institution has also been certified 'twice' as the College
with Potential for Excellence (CPE).
“The autonomous status has made Salesian
College an institution with a difference as it has been granted the right to
start innovative programs which will have a high rate of job placement. Now
onwards the students of Salesian College will not only acquire a degree but
also procure a job as they graduate,” added Fr. Babu Joseph.
Following the autonomous status,
Salesian College aims to complete the Siliguri campus by the 2023-24 academic
session. This expansion will enable the introduction of courses such as MBA,
MCA, Hotel Management, and others in Siliguri.
"We want to make such an
infrastructure in Siliguri that we can give admission to about 5,000 students.
In our Sonada campus also there will be many constructions and new facilities
provided. One of the things we want to do in our Sonada College is to try and
give personal attention to every student there so that we can focus on their
problems and encourage them in their studies,” explained Fr. Babu Joseph.