LIT Nagpur to Introduce 14 New BTech and MTech Programs Across 8 Departments

New Delhi: In a significant development, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, announced in the assembly of March 2023 that (Laxminarayan Institute of Technology) LIT, Nagpur, Maharashtra, originally funded and conceptualised by Rao Bahadur D Laxminarayan in 1930, will undergo a transformation. LIT is currently affiliated with Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU), and will soon become an independent state university.

Upon the transition, LIT, Nagpur will be renamed as Laxminarayan Innovation Technological University (LITU), following the footsteps of Pune's College of Engineering (COE), which became the first institute in the state to receive this designation.

Under its affiliation with RTM Nagpur University, LIT had been grappling with funding challenges, administrative delays, and recruitment issues. Being part of a vast public institution with over 500 affiliated colleges. However, the change in status will empower LITU to swiftly modernize its operations. This includes the introduction of new courses, departments, and centres as well as the exploration of innovative teaching methodologies. 

LIT Nagpur: New Courses, Departments, Centres

The LIT Alumni Association have expressed curiosity about the possibility of the state government bestowing autonomous status upon the institute, which has a rich history spanning 81 years. Subsequently, in November 2022, the government of Maharashtra made the decision to grant autonomous status to institutes that have been in operation for over 50 years, exhibited outstanding performance through three cycles of assessment by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), and catered to a student body of more than 2,500. 

Notable alumni and the director, Raju B Mankar, stepped forward to collaborate in formulating and presenting a comprehensive proposal encompassing plans for new programs, funding, infrastructure development, and pedagogical advancements.

Mankar mentioned that they had proposed approximately 14 courses, including postgraduate programs in artificial intelligence, data science, green energy, engineering physics, and material science, with a particular focus on nano-technology. 

In addition, they have made plans for establishing eight new departments and a center of excellence, for which they required added infrastructure. Mankar further explained that they had presented a detailed plan to completely transform and renovate the campus, seeking a grant of approximately Rs 200 crore. They have requested the grant to be disbursed in a phased manner over a period of five years.

Mankar also highlighted that the university was seeking grants for additional projects, such as the construction of a girls' hostel and the provision of facilities for both indoor and outdoor sports.

Furthermore, he expressed the need for a special grant to renovate the first swimming pool in Nagpur, which was located on the LIT campus. He mentioned that the swimming pool had been operational until 1980-81 before being abandoned. They had requested a special grant to revive and restore the swimming pool.

Mankar revealed that with the grant of complete autonomy, the institute would gain the ability to independently handle its recruitment process and financial affairs.

Mankar mentioned that until now, the recruitment process had been under the purview of RTMNU. With this, the institute would also attain financial autonomy, granting them the freedom to independently handle their financial matters. Being a small university, they believed they would be able to swiftly address any arising issues. 

He explained that the autonomy they were being granted would follow a similar framework as the College of Engineering (COE) Pune, which had achieved university status the previous year.

LIT Nagpur Alumni Uniting for a Common Cause

The alumni of LIT Nagpur are scattered worldwide, holding many positions in higher education or leading roles in various industries. A group of approximately 40 alumni has joined forces to contribute in the development and advancement of LITU, as the new session is set to commence in June.

Ajay Ranka, an esteemed LIT alumnus and Chief Managing Director of Zydex group, has been closely monitoring the progress and transformation of the university. He emphasized the need for the university to prioritize the audio quality within classrooms.

According to the guidelines outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP), the focus should shift from teaching to learning. Therefore, it is essential to enhance the audio experience during classes to capture the interest of students. Currently, there are issues where backbenchers often struggle to hear clearly.

Further, Ranka suggested incorporating visual aids and ensuring reliable internet connectivity, as there is a wealth of online resources that can benefit both teaching staff and students. It is noteworthy that the current teacher-student ratio in a classroom stands at 1:100.

Ranka has pledged Rs 50 lakh for faculty development over a span of five years, prioritizing the enhancement of faculty skills over student expenses. He believes that by positively impacting one faculty member, the influence extends to approximately 500 students.

Additionally, each esteemed alumnus, referred to as a "Jewel," will mentor two teachers and provide financial support ranging from INR 1-2 lakh. This funding aims to encourage faculty members to participate in commercial exhibitions and attend renowned conferences relevant to their field. Such opportunities will allow them to stay updated on the latest technologies and establish connections with industry and academia.

Regarding curriculum development and pedagogy, LIT Nagpur plans to draw inspiration from universities in the United States, Germany, and Canada. The institute's alumni, some of whom are associated with these universities, have generously offered their contributions towards shaping the curriculum. Notably, Mankar himself served as a visiting scientist at the University of Karlsruhe, Germany, from 2002 to 2004.

GD Yadav, affiliated with the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) Mumbai, which is an allied institute of LIT, is lending support to the institute. Yadav recognizes LIT's potential and believes that it simply requires guidance, especially in overcoming challenges related to university bureaucracy that hindered their access to funds. As the former vice-chancellor of ICT, he is eager to contribute to LIT's progress.

Ranka emphasizes that in today's educational landscape, a strong foundation with clear fundamental concepts holds greater significance than mere completion of the syllabus. He believes that students should develop the ability to learn independently.

LIT intends to implement a practice where students themselves teach in small groups, fostering peer-to-peer learning.

Ranka concluded by saying that traditional teaching methods must evolve in response to the emergence of technologies like AI and ML. Educators need to transition from being mere teachers to becoming facilitators of learning. He envisions a transformative shift in the way education is delivered. LIT has plans to establish campuses in other states. 

LIT Nagpur: Origins and Vision

Madhav Labhe, chairman of the LIT alumni association, recounts the remarkable story of Rao Bahadur Laxminarayan, who migrated from Andhra Pradesh to Maharashtra and became an owner through hard work and determination. His accomplishments led to the prestigious title of 'Rao Bahadur' bestowed upon him by the British government.

However, Laxminarayan was deeply concerned about India's dependence on imported finished goods due to the lack of domestic technological capabilities for processing raw materials.

Upon his passing in 1930, Laxminarayan left behind his entire wealth and hundreds of acres of land to RTM Nagpur University, with the explicit request to establish an institute dedicated to applied sciences in the mining and chemical industries. Labhe explains that at that time, there was no Maharashtra state, and the region was known as Central Province and Berar, with Nagpur serving as the capital. The foundation stone for LIT was laid in 1936, and the institute commenced its operations in 1942, driven by Laxminarayan's vision.

Read More: 

• RTMNU Results 2023 (Out) nagpuruniversity.ac.in: Check UG, PG Result

• LIT Nagpur Admission 2023 

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