Koraput, Aug 7: Dr Ajit Kumar Shasany, former Director of the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has assumed charge as the new Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Odisha (CUO), Koraput.Dr Shasany took charge on the morning of August 6, succeeding Prof N C Panda, Dean of Schools and Head of the Department of Sanskrit, who had been serving as Vice-Chancellor in-charge.His appointment was approved by the President of India for a five-year term through a notification issued on July 2, 2026.The joining ceremony was attended by senior university officials, including Dr Sanjay Kumar Pradhan, Registrar-in-Charge, and Duryodhan Sethy, Finance Officer.Following his appointment, Dr Shasany interacted with students, research scholars and faculty members and discussed the academic and research environment of the university.Dr Shasany brings extensive experience in scientific research and administration. Before joining CUO, he served as Director of NBRI. He has also headed the ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, and served as Chief Scientist of the Biotechnology Division at CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow.Established under the Central Universities Act, 2009, the Central University of Odisha is among the 15 new Central Universities established by the Government of India during the UGC XI Plan period, with a focus on promoting equity and access to higher education.
Dr Ajit Kumar Shasany takes charge as VC of Central University of Odisha
