Gadchiroli: For students in most districts of Maharashtra, the opening of a new engineering course is not big news. In Gadchiroli, though, the launch of BTech programmes at University Institute of Technology (UIT) has sparked celebrations among students and families alike. The institute marks a milestone for a region where access to technical education has remained a distant dream for a long time.UIT, run by Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd in affiliation with Gondwana University under the PPP model, has started admissions for its first BTech batch this academic year. Last year, the institute began diploma courses with 120 seats. Now, UIT is also offering a BTech programme with 120 seats across Mining, Computer Science, Metallurgy and Manufacturing Engineering.For Gadchiroli, the significance goes beyond technical education. The district earlier had an engineering institute, but it was shut down, leaving aspiring engineers with no option but to migrate to Nagpur, Chandrapur and other cities. For many tribals and economically weaker families, the cost of education, accommodation and travel made engineering an impossible dream.UIT aims to bridge the gap by providing free education, hostel accommodation and meals, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent deserving students from pursuing professional education.Adding to UIT’s appeal is a faculty comprising IIT graduates and academicians with international exposure, bringing quality technical education to one of Maharashtra’s most remote districts.For students like Pritam Lakhne from the remote village of Hedri, the BTech programme represents an opportunity his family never imagined. With the family making ends meet from the returns provided by just one acre of farmland, his parents struggled to provide quality education. “Earlier, we had very limited opportunities. Now, my family believes that higher education can completely change our future,” he said.For Sakshi Shukla, an engineering degree was once beyond reach. Her father, who works as a security guard, couldn’t afford to send her outside the district for higher education. With two younger sisters, the family’s financial responsibilities were immense.“Studying engineering outside Gadchiroli was impossible for me. This institute has given me a chance to fulfil my dream. Now, I want to get a good job and support my family,” Sakshi said.As Gadchiroli witnesses rapid industrialisation, the engineering programme promises to prepare the district’s new generation of home-grown engineers — young men and women who may no longer have to leave their homeland to build successful careers.
