Bareilly: The 71st meeting of the Academic Council of the ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar, was held, focusing on key issues related to global rankings, academic excellence, infrastructure development, research expansion, and student welfare.
The meeting was chaired by Dr. Raghavendra Bhatta, Deputy Director General (Animal Science), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and Director of IVRI. Several important policy decisions were taken regarding the institute’s future development, implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and enhancement of academic and research capabilities.
In his presidential address, Dr. Bhatta congratulated the institute for securing the prestigious A++ accreditation from NAAC and achieving a notable position in the QS World University Rankings. He emphasized that with student enrolment steadily increasing, strengthening campus infrastructure has become a priority.
He informed the council that construction of new hostels for male and female students, along with an international hostel, is currently underway. In addition, a state-of-the-art Mega Teaching Complex, being developed at an estimated cost of ₹25 crore, is expected to significantly enhance academic facilities on campus.
Addressing student welfare concerns, Dr. Bhatta highlighted disparities in internship stipends and said the institute is exploring opportunities to attract Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding to bridge the gap. He also stressed the need to promote externally funded projects and international collaborative research programmes to support newly recruited faculty members and meet the growing academic demands of the institute.
Presenting the institute’s progress report, Dr. S.K. Mendiratta, Joint Director (Academic), stated that IVRI has become the first agricultural and veterinary institution in India to secure a place among the world’s top 100 institutions in the QS World University Rankings. He noted that the institute has retained its 5th position in the NIRF Ranking 2024 under the Agriculture and Allied Sectors category and has set a target of reaching the top three in the coming years.
Dr. Mendiratta also recalled the institute’s 11th Convocation Ceremony, which was attended by President Droupadi Murmu, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
He further informed the council that the institute’s student intake capacity has nearly doubled over the past five years, with more than 1,000 students currently enrolled in various programmes. In line with NEP 2020, the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) system has been implemented to facilitate multiple entry and exit options for students.
The council also discussed expanding industry-academia collaboration through the Professor of Practice programme. Approval for the second batch of industry and private-sector experts to participate in academic activities is currently under process.
Several distinguished academicians and experts participated in the meeting. Dr. Yashpal Malik, Deputy Director General (Education), ICAR; Dr. R.R.B. Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Kamdhenu University; and former GB Pant University Vice-Chancellor Dr. M.S. Chauhan joined virtually. Other experts, including Dr. Amrish Kumar, Dr. P.K. Shukla, Dr. O.P. Dhanda, Dr. R.N. Chatterjee, and Dr. Jaiveer Tyagi, Director of the Central Avian Research Institute, attended in person.
Participants emphasized the need to introduce new courses in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and emerging digital technologies within veterinary and animal science education. They also recommended developing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for admissions of students from external universities to ensure greater transparency and quality in the selection process.
The council further decided that students assigned to research activities at IVRI’s regional campuses in Bengaluru, Mukteshwar, Kolkata, and Bhopal will be required to submit an undertaking at the time of admission to avoid future accommodation and administrative issues.
Among those present were Dr. S.K. Singh, Joint Director (Research); Dr. Roopsi Tiwari, Joint Director (Extension Education); Dr. Sohini De, Joint Director, CADDRAD; Dr. Gyanendra Singh; Dr. Rajat Garg, and scientists and officers from various departments.
The meeting reaffirmed IVRI’s commitment to academic excellence, global competitiveness, research innovation, and student-centric development as it continues to strengthen its position among India’s leading veterinary and agricultural institutions.
Reported from Bareilly by Akhilesh Chandra Saxena
