IIIT Kalyani campus 98% complete; 28 new faculty positions, grievance system active: Education Ministry

The construction of the permanent campus of the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Kalyani has reached 98% physical progress, the Ministry of Education informed the Lok Sabha. The update was provided in response to a starred question by MP Jagannath Sarkar regarding the institute’s infrastructure, academic resources, research activity, and student concerns.

The institute, established under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, has received 34.36 acres of land from the West Bengal government. The ministry informed that delays in infrastructure development were caused by disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted labour availability and supply chains.

On faculty strength, the ministry stated that the institute currently has 21 teaching staff, comprising 13 regular faculty members, 2 contractual, 1 visiting professor and 5 guest faculty. To address faculty shortage, 28 additional positions have been created, and recruitment for these is ongoing.

In response to a question on the number of research projects and patents filed by IIIT Kalyani in the last five years, and the measures being taken to enhance research output and commercialisation, the Ministry of Education said the institute is currently undertaking 11 sponsored research projects.

Faculty support for research activities

In the past five years, faculty members have published 110 research papers in peer-reviewed journals. Faculty members have submitted five patent applications, of which one has been granted. A Cumulative Professional Development Allowance of Rs 3 lakh per faculty member over a three-year cycle is provided to support research activities and resource acquisition.

The institute has signed agreements with industry and academic organisations to promote collaborative research and internships. It also has a Training and Placement Cell, and an Innovation and Incubation Cell to support student-led initiatives.

“The institute also has a dedicated Training and Placement Cell and an Innovation and Incubation Cell (IIC) to guide students about relevant industry opportunities, and support student-led start-ups, respectively,” the official document said.

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Student engagement through competitions, events

In terms of student engagement, the ministry said that students from the institute have participated in and won events, including the Smart India Hackathon 2019 and 2022. The institute also organises technical and cultural events, including robotics contests, programming competitions, and various student-led initiatives.

To address student grievances, the institute has implemented a mentorship system wherein each batch is assigned faculty mentors. A Grievance Redressal Cell has also been constituted, comprising faculty representatives, to address academic and administrative concerns.

“Every batch of students has been assigned faculty members who act as Batch Mentors, who acts the first point of contact for students with the administration regarding their concerns about academic or other related activities within the institute,” it said.