Department of Economics
Overview
The Department of Economics at Model Degree College, Nuapada, Khariar is a well-knit academic community of highly committed teaching faculty and a vibrant student body.
Established in 2016, the department is dedicated to providing quality education in economics with a vision to empower students from the interior and rural regions of Nuapada district.
It aims to foster critical thinking, analytical ability, and socio-economic awareness among learners, shaping their academic and professional futures.
The undergraduate programme in Economics provides a strong foundation in economic theory and quantitative tools of analysis.
Catering primarily to the educational needs of economically and geographically marginalized communities, the department strives to make higher education in economics accessible, relevant, and impactful.
Through a balanced blend of theoretical instruction and practical exposure, students gain insights into contemporary economic issues at local, national, and global levels.
Following the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) and National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework, the curriculum covers key areas such as:
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- Development Economics
- Environmental Economics
- Public Finance
- Quantitative Techniques
Alongside traditional classroom teaching, students are encouraged to participate in research projects, seminars, field surveys, and community-based studies to enhance their understanding of real-world economic dynamics.
The faculty members are committed to academic excellence and holistic student development through continuous guidance and mentorship.
Courses Offered
- Three-Year Undergraduate Programme (B.A. Honours in Economics)
- Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (B.A. Honours in Economics) – Without Research
Head of Department
Mrs. Preetiswapna Padhan
Head of Department & Assistant Professor of Economics
Email: preeti.padhan@gmail.com
Faculty Members
| Sl. No. | Name & Designation | Qualification | Area of Interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Mrs. Preetiswapna Padhan Assistant Professor of Economics Email: preeti.padhan@gmail.com |
M.A. Economics, UGC-NET | Micro Economics, Mathematical Methods for Economics, Environmental Economics, Development Economics |
| 2 |
Mr. Manoj Sahu Lecturer in Economics Email: sahumm921@gmail.com |
M.A. Economics, NET | Micro Economics, International Economics, Development Economics |
| 3 |
Mrs. Diptimayee Bhoi Lecturer in Economics Email: diptimayibhoi91@gmail.com |
M.A. Economics, NET | Micro Economics, Mathematical Methods for Economics, Statistics |
Infrastructure
- Number of Classrooms – 02
- Departmental Library – Under Development
- ICT-enabled Classroom – Proposed
Departmental Activities
- Organizing seminars, workshops, and group discussions on contemporary economic issues.
- Encouraging students to participate in surveys and research projects related to regional and rural development.
- Conducting awareness drives and extension activities in nearby villages focusing on financial literacy and government welfare programmes.
- Maintaining regular student–teacher mentoring sessions for academic and career guidance.
Student Achievements
- Many students have pursued postgraduate studies in reputed universities of Odisha and beyond.
- Several alumni are engaged in teaching, government services, and private sector organizations.
- Students actively participate in inter-college quiz competitions, essay contests, and NSS activities.
Academic and Research Initiatives
- Faculty members are actively involved in research on rural development, poverty alleviation, and environmental sustainability.
- Department promotes small-scale survey projects for students on topics such as household income patterns, employment trends, and women’s empowerment.
- Research-based assignments and seminar presentations are integral components of the curriculum.
Future Plans
- To establish a dedicated Economics Laboratory for data analysis, econometrics, and statistical research using open-source tools.
- To initiate certificate courses in Entrepreneurship Development and Financial Literacy.
- To strengthen industry-academia linkages and organize internships for students in government and private sectors.
- To conduct state and national level seminars on Development Economics and Policy Research.
- To publish an annual departmental newsletter highlighting student research and activities.
Conclusion
The Department of Economics at Model Degree College, Nuapada, is committed to providing students with both theoretical and practical understanding of economics.
Through continuous innovation in teaching, research, and community engagement, the department aims to contribute significantly to regional development and nation-building by nurturing economically aware and socially responsible citizens.