Central Campus of Technology (CCT Dharan): A Pioneering Science and Technology Institution in Nepal

Introduction: Central Campus of Technology (CCT Dharan) is an autonomous Science and Technology campus of Tribhuvan University (TU), located in Dharan, Nepal. It was established in 1972 AD and offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs. CCT Dharan is unique in its offering of programs such as B.Tech (Food) and B.Sc. (Nutrition and Dietetics) in Nepal.

VISION

Central Campus of Technology in Dharan, Nepal, is a leading institution for food technology education in the country, having produced over 500 highly qualified graduates in the field. A significant percentage of these graduates pursue further studies abroad or find employment in various food industries within Nepal and beyond. With the growing demand for food technology education in Nepal, the campus aims to expand its scope to become a research station for post-harvest technology in the SAARC Region. Its new vision statement is to become a Deemed University of Food Science and Technology, known for its excellence in research.

• Central Campus of Technology is a renowned institution for food technology education in Nepal.
• It has produced over 500 highly qualified graduates, with 25% pursuing further studies abroad.
• The campus aims to become a research station for post-harvest technology in the SAARC Region.
• Its new vision statement is to become a Deemed University of Food Science and Technology.

MISSION

Food is a crucial aspect of life, and the rising food crisis has become an emergency in many developing countries, including Nepal. Food insecurity is pervasive throughout much of the country, and in times of crisis, Nepal has to depend on donors for food supply, which is not a permanent solution. To combat food insecurity, it is essential to control post-harvest loss, which accounts for a significant percentage of wasted crops in the country. National planners are focused on increasing productivity, but food technology can combat food insecurity by reducing post-harvest loss.

The mission of Central Campus of Technology is to develop post-harvest technology and allied programs to the point where it can be a deemed university in its right, known for its research facilities and excellence in the field.

• Food crisis is a severe issue in Nepal, with food insecurity being prevalent throughout the country.
• The country has to depend on donors for food supply during times of crisis.
• To combat food insecurity, post-harvest loss needs to be controlled, which can be achieved through food technology.
• Central Campus of Technology aims to develop post-harvest technology and allied programs to become a deemed university in its own right.

Programs Offered:

CCT offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of science and technology. Here's a brief overview of each program:

• BSc Microbiology: This program focuses on the study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, and their role in human health, disease, and the environment.
• BSc Nutrition and Dietetics: This program deals with the science of food and nutrition and their effects on human health. Students learn about the principles of healthy eating and the role of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of diseases.
• MTech Food Technology: This is a specialized program that focuses on the processing, preservation, and packaging of food products. Students learn about food chemistry, food microbiology, food engineering, and food safety and quality management.
• BSc Geology: This program deals with the study of the Earth, its structure, and its natural resources. Students learn about the formation and evolution of the Earth, geological processes, and the identification and exploitation of mineral resources.
• BSc Physics: This program focuses on the study of the fundamental principles of matter and energy, and their interactions. Students learn about the laws of physics that govern the behavior of the universe, and how these laws can be applied to solve real-world problems.
• MSc Microbiology: This is an advanced program that focuses on the study of microorganisms in greater depth. Students learn about microbial genetics, microbial physiology, and the molecular basis of microbial pathogenesis.
• Bachelor of Food Technology (BTech Food): This is a specialized program that focuses on the science and technology of food processing, preservation, and packaging. Students learn about food chemistry, food microbiology, food engineering, and food safety and quality management.
• Bachelors in Information Technology (BIT): This program deals with the study of computer-based information systems and their applications in various fields. Students learn about programming languages, database management, network administration, and software engineering.
• BSc Computer Science and Information Technology (BSc CSIT): This program focuses on the study of computer science and information technology in a combined manner. Students learn about algorithms, data structures, computer networks, software engineering, and database systems.

Campus History:

CCT Dharan was established in 1972 AD as a constituent campus of Tribhuvan University. It obtained the status of a decentralized campus in 1998 AD and an autonomous campus in 2012 AD. The establishment of CCT Dharan was a milestone in itself, with Dr. Parasar Narayan Suwal appointed as the first Dean of the institute and given the responsibility for doing all the needful. Well-wishers and education activists from Biratnagar offered to provide for the establishment of the institute but Dr. Suwal preferred Dharan because of its salubrious climate and vantage reasons. With special initiatives from the then Minister of education Late Hiralal Vishwakarma, certificate level courses in Food Technology and Laboratory Technology were started from 1973 (Shrawan 1, 2030 B. S.). However, since the institute did not have its own building at the time, Mr. Yagya Prasad's house (at Dharan-16, currently turned into a private-run high school) was rented with effect from July 1, 1973.

Campus Infrastructure:

In 1975, CCT Dharan acquired about 9.2 ha (19 bigha, 10 kattha) of land at Hattisar, and Tribhuvan University spent 3.6 million from its own resources to build one laboratory building, one guest house, six B-type quarters, and twelve C-type quarters. These buildings were built by Araniko Construction Company, Kathmandu, in accordance with the United Designers Consultancy's building construction project. The construction work was completed in 1977.

Unique Features:

CCT Dharan is unique in Nepal as it is the only TU constituent campus running B.Tech (Food) and the only campus offering B.Sc. (Nutrition and Dietetics) programs. This makes it a pioneering institution in the field of Food Technology education in Nepal.

PEDAGOGY

Pedagogy, the art and science of teaching, is a crucial component of higher education, and is often the factor that distinguishes good institutions from great ones. While disciplinary competency is a prerequisite for educators in university education, higher education institutions like the College of Applied Food and Dairy Technology (CCT) place a strong emphasis on pedagogical competencies to ensure that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for the demands of the professional world.

CCT is a popular choice for students seeking to study Food Technology in Nepal, as it is the only institution in the country that offers a B.Sc. in Nutrition and Dietetics. Additionally, it is one of the few campuses in Nepal that offers a B.Sc. in Geology. One of the reasons for CCT's popularity is its reputation for good pedagogy and its robust Education Management Information System (EMIS), which it has strived to maintain over the years.

In recent years, CCT has made significant progress in adapting its resources and pedagogical approaches to ensure that it meets the needs of students in a rapidly evolving world. The college has emphasized ICT-based education, and to this end, every classroom is equipped with projectors and CCTVs. The college has also developed a user-friendly customized app called "CCT Teacher" to help faculty maintain student attendance and class log records.

CCT's approach to pedagogy is centered on the student, and the college prioritizes research-oriented teaching to foster a lifelong learning culture among its students. Additionally, CCT recognizes that faculty development is essential to ensure that educators are well-equipped to deliver the best possible education to students. To this end, the college regularly facilitates faculty participation in training programs, provides in-house research grants, and encourages advanced studies like Ph.D. programs. While the main basis of teaching at CCT is the conventional lecture method, the faculty is encouraged to use innovative and ingenious techniques to make the learning process more effective and engrossing. The college is also considering the adoption of Moodle (Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment) in the near future to enhance its pedagogical approach.

CCT employs several tools and techniques to ensure effective pedagogy, including ICT-based learning, an internal academic audit system, faculty development programs, faculty appraisal systems, an online class log record and attendance system, and a Students Quality Circle (SQC). These tools and techniques have helped the college maintain its reputation for good pedagogy and have helped to ensure that its students receive a world-class education that prepares them for the demands of the professional world.

FACILITIES

CCT (College of Applied Food and Dairy Technology) has always been committed to providing quality education to its students, but it also understands the importance of providing an overall educational experience. Therefore, it has invested in several facilities to enhance the learning environment and ensure the well-being of its students and staff. Here are some of the facilities that CCT offers:

• Library: CCT has a well-equipped library with an extensive collection of books, journals, and magazines related to food technology, nutrition, and other fields. The library is constantly updated with the latest publications and resources.
• Extra-curricular activities: The campus encourages students to participate in various extra-curricular activities such as sports, music, and cultural events. These activities are organized regularly to promote a well-rounded education.
• Hostel: CCT has a hostel facility for students who come from outside the Kathmandu Valley. The hostel is equipped with all basic amenities such as comfortable beds, study tables, and internet connectivity.
• Transportation: CCT provides transportation facilities for students and staff to commute to and from the campus.
• Quarters: The campus has a separate quarter for faculty members who require accommodation. The quarters are equipped with all basic amenities.
• Computers/Internet/Multimedia: CCT has a well-equipped computer lab with the latest hardware and software. The lab is connected to high-speed internet, and multimedia facilities are also available.
• Museum: The campus has a museum that displays various food processing technologies and equipment.
• Laboratories: CCT has several well-equipped laboratories for food technology, microbiology, chemistry, and other fields.
• Seminar Hall: The campus has a spacious seminar hall that can accommodate a large number of people. The hall is equipped with the latest audio-visual facilities.
• Cafeteria: The campus has a cafeteria that serves healthy and hygienic food to students and staff at an affordable price.
• Saraswati Temple: The campus has a temple dedicated to the goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, and art.
• Botanical Garden (Under construction): The campus is constructing a botanical garden that will have a wide variety of plants and trees.
• Water Fountain: The campus has installed a water fountain that adds to the beauty of the campus.
• Other Facilities: The campus also has a bike parking shed, a first aid room, and a sanitary pad vending machine.

SUSTAINABILITY

National Planning Commission's Tenth Plan emphasized the need for cost recovery in higher education, which led CCT to become an autonomous campus in 2012. While the principal sources of finance for CCT are the UGC block grant and student fees, the campus also generates income through analytical services and training programs.

In addition to these sources of income, there are several ways in which CCT is working towards sustainability and reducing operational costs. Here are some of the steps taken by the campus:

• Self-Sufficiency in Water and Electricity: The campus has its own source of water, which means it doesn't have to pay for water supply. It has also installed a 26.5 KVA solar energy system to reduce its electricity bills.
• Pilot Plants for Revenue Generation: CCT is planning to operate its pilot plants in semi-commercial scale, which includes bottled water, dairy items, bakery items, and traditional foods. This will help the campus to generate additional revenue and reduce the dependence on external funding.
• Value-Added Products: CCT has planted tea, coffee, lemon, orange, and other high-value plants that are expected to enter the market as value-added or specialty products in the future. This will help the campus to generate additional revenue and provide hands-on learning opportunities for the students.
• Cost-Effective Infrastructure Development: When CCT needs to make capital expenditures for infrastructure development or adding new academic programs, it requests special budget provisions from the government or donor agencies. This helps the campus to keep its operational costs low while still achieving its development goals.

Sustainability is an essential component of CCT's operational strategy. The campus is continually exploring new ways to reduce its operational costs, generate revenue, and promote sustainable practices. By doing so, it is creating a positive impact on the environment, society, and its students.