DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
About the Department:
The Political Science Department, one of the oldest departments of the Government Women's College, Balangir, was one of the first in Odisha to provide Political Science Honors courses to girl students. There are now 32 honours seats, up from the original 16 honours seats that were connected to Sambalpur University. In 2020, Rajendra University was established in Balangir, and it became affiliated with it. The department offers stimulating Bachelor of Arts courses in Political Science covering topics from Indian politics to International and Global Issues, Political Theory and Concepts, Western and Indian Political Thought, Comparative Politics, Public Policy, Gender Politics, Good Governance, etc. It is staffed by highly qualified and research-focused faculty members.
Vision:
"To be a leading centre for the study and advancement of political science, shaping informed and engaged citizens, and contributing to the development of inclusive and just societies."
Mission:
Educate: To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of political theory, systems, and practices, preparing them for active citizenship, careers in public service, or further academic pursuits.
Research: To conduct rigorous scholarly research that advances knowledge in political science, contributes to public discourse, and informs policy debates at local, national, and international levels.
Engagement: To foster an environment that encourages critical thinking, civil discourse, and active engagement with political issues, both within the college community and in broader society.
Diversity and Inclusion: To promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the field of political science and beyond, by examining the political experiences of marginalized groups and advocating for their representation and empowerment.
Service: To serve the college, the local community, and the broader public through outreach activities, partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organizations, and contributions to public policy development and implementation.
List of Faculty Members:
Sl. No. | Name of Faculty | Qualification | Year of Appointment | Designation | Specialization | Teaching Experience |
1. | Dr. Rajesh Kumar Karna | Ph.D. (HCU), NET-JRF, M.Phil., MA | 2023 | Assistant Professor | International Politics, Regional and State politics | 8 years |
2. | Smt. Sucheeta Dora | M. Phil., MA | 2013 | Lecturer | Indian Administration, Public Policy | 10 years |
3. | Sri Debadatta Panigrahi | M.A. | 2013 | Guest Faculty | Comparative Politics, Indian Govt. & Politics | 25 years |
Student Profile:
Year | SC | ST | OBC | Gen. | Total |
2021-22 | | | | | 30 |
2022-23 | | | | | 31 |
2023-24 | | | | | 30 |
Students' Pass Percentage in University Examination:
Academic Year | No. Students Appeared | No. of Students Passed | Pass Percentage |
2020-21 | 27 | 25 | 92.59 |
2021-22 | 27 | 24 | 88.88 |
2022-23 | 25 | 29 | 86.21 |
2023-24 | 25 | Result awaiting |
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Departmental Achievements:
- Miss Padmini Nag of 2020-23 Batch secure University Gold Medal for securing first class first position in B.A. Political Science.
Activities of Department:
Teaching-learning and Research: The department is known for its rigorous and disciplined teaching and learning activities both within and outside of campus. Our faculties are also continuously involved in research activities both personal and student’s research projects.
Examination and evaluation: Class tests and discussion on each topic followed by an overall model test in question pattern of university examination on each paper.
Seminar: The department conducts seminars, debates and invited lectures on different emerging issues and topics from the syllabus and beyond by inviting resource person from different universities. Faculty member and students of the department also conduct departmental seminars on regular basis.
Carrier Guidance: Special carrier guidance sessions are organised by the faculty members of the department.
Awareness session and Remedial classes: Various awareness session on topics like human rights, gender rights, social justice, constitutional values and important of national and international days like constitution day, Human Rights Day, voters’ day etc. have been organised.
Research Activities: (both Faculty and Student)
- Nag, Manoj Kumar and Uttam Kumar (2021) “China and Beyond: Understanding American Agenda in Bangladesh”, Anthology: The Research, Vol.6, Issue.5.
- Karna, Rajesh Kumar (2023) “Protection of Human Rights of Oustees in India: A Review”, International Journal of Human Rights and Constitutional Studies, Vol. 10, No.2, pp.163-175
- Karna, Rajesh Kumar, Susanta Kumar Mahapatra and Keshaba Chandra Ratha (2023) “Implication of Covid 19 on International Migration: Emerging Scenario in Post-Covid World Order” IASSI Quarterly, Vol.42, No.4, Oct-Dec., pp.857
- All final year students submit a Research Project each as part of their DSE-IV paper
- Faculties and Students also participating in various seminar, conference and symposium on regular basis.
Future Plans:
- To start M.A. Political Science course and undertake Ph.D. guideship.
- To undertake departmental project works on different problems related to the local issues.
- To set up a well-equipped Computer Laboratory and smart classroom for the students with e-library content.
- development of a well-equipped audio-visual hall for conducting seminars/workshops/conferences.
- To set up a well-equipped departmental seminar library.
- To organise National Level Conferences sponsored by UGC/ICSSR etc.
- To transform the department from a teaching centre to research centre.