Delhi University executive council approves Centre for Odia Studies, allocates 3.7 acres for new girls’ hostel

The Delhi University’s Executive Council (DUEC) has approved several key academic and infrastructural decisions, including establishing a centre for Odia studies and renaming the arts faculty convention hall.

During the meeting, Yogesh Singh, vice chancellor, DU stated that the university has several ongoing projects worth approximately Rs 2,000 crore.

The EC approved the proposal to rename the Arts Faculty Convention Hall as “Vande Mataram Hall” after its renovation. The council also cleared the recommendations of the committee formed to establish the centre for Odia studies at DU, he added.

The centre aims to expand academic engagement in the Odia language, literature, culture, civilisation, and traditions. It will offer a two-year MA programme and support doctoral and postdoctoral research as per the NEP 2020 , with plans to introduce certificate, diploma, and undergraduate elective courses as well.

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The meeting reviewed and approved the recommendations of the Academic Council and Finance Committee.

Budget estimate of Rs 1651.42 crore set for 2026-27

The revised budget estimate for 2025-26 has been reduced from Rs 1664.74 crore to Rs 1312.33 crore, while the budget allocation for the financial year 2026-27 has been fixed at Rs 1651.42 crore.

In infrastructure decisions, the building committee approved a proposal to build a broadcasting studio near the vice regal lodge at an estimated cost of Rs 2.32 crore, which was later approved by the EC.

The council also considered land use on the DU’s Dhaka campus. The university proposed to build a new women's hostel on 3.7 acres of vacant land, 2 acres from Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute (VPCI) and 1.7 acres from Delhi School of Social Work, to improve security and accommodation facilities for female students.

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The DU Literature Festival is scheduled to be held from February 12 to 14, and the Vice Chancellor expressed confidence in making it one of the best literary events in the country.

Singh also announced that the Vice President of India, C P Radhakrishnan, will be the chief guest at DU’s 102nd convocation on February 28, 2026. The vice president will additionally attend the university’s “Nasha Mukti Abhiyan” event on January 30.