Having a hoary past, the northern tropical deciduous, tribal abundant district, SURGUJA having low literacy rate physiographically a great table land consisting of numerous hills and plateaus which is southern extension of CHHOTA NAGPUR plateaus and northern stretch of SATPURA – MAIKAL ranges and hillocks drained by puranic rivers RENUKA and KANHAR.
Surguja is one of the northern districts of newly emerged state Chhattisgarh bifurcated from Madhya Pradesh. It extends from 22038′ to 2406′ north and 82038′ to 84038′ east having an area of 16044.2 sq kms. The span of the district is 158 kms from east to west. The north-south width is about 162 kms.
About Rajeev Gandhi Govt. Post Graduate College
The district is bounded on the north by SIDHI, SONBHADRA (U.P.) and PALAMU (Jharkhand) districts, on the south by KORBA and on the east by JASHPUR district. The entire western boundary is enclosed by KOREA district.
The desire for higher education was intensely felt in this tribal region, for the financial position of most of the students was deplorably low and their attention distracted by constant economic stress to access higher studies in other cities. To promote and safeguard the academic interests of the tribal and the legged behind and enable them to realize their potentialities, worth and rights, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh planned a degree college at district headquarters, Ambikapur.
Establishment and Growth of Rajeev Gandhi Government Postgraduate College
The college was established in 1960 and was affiliated to Saugar University (now Sir H.S. Gaur University Saugar) and was initiated with art, science, and commerce. Over the years since 1968, the college has progressively evolved into a full-fledged post-graduate institution of higher learning and research imparting and generating knowledge over a wide spectrum of disciplines.
In 1964, the college came under the affiliation of Ravi Shankar University Raipur and achieved not only obvious educational relevance through innovative efforts but also enriched the sphere of sports and cultural activities. The college shifted to its new building in 1947, which has spacious premises and a large playground expanding in an area of 41.57 acres.
In the year 1983, Guru Ghasidas University Bilaspur came into existence, upgrading its teaching, learning, and research activities and revamping the educational infrastructure to prepare students to face the challenges of the new millennium.
During these 43 years, the college has traveled through unbeaten paths setting an example to other colleges. Besides academic excellence, social concern, community development, and National integration are its major objectives.
Academic Programs, Research Activities, and Faculty Strength
Govt. P.G. College Ambikapur was established in 1960 with undergraduate courses in Science, Arts & Commerce. Initially, it was affiliated with Sager University, later with Ravishankar University Raipur, and from 1983 with Guru Ghasidas University Bilaspur. Now, it is affiliated with the newly established Surguja University Ambikapur.
Conforming to the basic aims and objectives of UGC and Higher Education in India, the institution aims to provide access to higher education to students living in remote interior tribal areas, particularly belonging to ST, SC & OBC categories.
In 1973, the Law faculty with a graduate course was started. Subsequently, postgraduate courses were opened in Hindi, English, History, Political Science, Sociology, Economics, Geography, Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Mathematics, and Commerce.
At present, research facilities for Ph.D. programs are offered across Science, Arts, and Commerce faculties.
The total number of permanent teachers in the college is 33 (22 male, 11 female), with 23 Ph.D. holders. To compensate for vacant posts, 14 part-time teachers have been appointed by Jan Bhagidari Samiti, and 15 contractual teachers by the C.G. Government.
The current year has 3623 students enrolled, with 3179 boys and 444 girls. Of this, 33% are ST, 4% SC, and 28% OBC.
Infrastructure, Learning Resources, and Student Facilities
The college has a library with 80,000 books, sports facilities for all major games, a gymnasium, grievance redressal cell, vehicle stand, ladies comfort room, pure drinking water facility, and common computer and internet facilities.
In the last five years, three Minor Research Projects sponsored by UGC were completed, and six projects are ongoing. National Research Seminars were also organized by departments like History, Physics, and Economics.
Infrastructure facilities include 22 classrooms, 7 laboratories, an auditorium with a 500 capacity, and a central library. Administrative offices and departments like History, Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Geography, and Commerce have computer facilities.
A 100-seater hostel for boys is under construction, sanctioned by the State Government (estimated cost Rs. 108.5 lakh).
Jan Bhagidari Samiti actively supports infrastructure development through public donations and student contributions.
Student Support, Extension Activities, and College Management
The college maintains a well-disciplined atmosphere for co-education and supports services like the library, computer internet facilities, sports amenities, etc.
There is a Career Guidance Cell functioning effectively. The State Government organizes Youth Festivals providing students with ample opportunities for personality development.
The college organizes NSS, NCC, and Red Cross activities, which help students cultivate civic responsibilities and social awareness.
Management and organization are supervised as per the rules of the Government of Chhattisgarh Higher Education Department, with the Principal ensuring proper policy implementation.
Healthy practices include upgrading curricula to UGC models, conducting internal quality checks, and offering community-oriented programs.
Research culture is strong with 95% of permanent faculty holding PhDs. Many departments like History, Commerce, Economics, Geography, Hindi, Botany, Mathematics, and Zoology are recognized as research centers.
The college encourages field visits, surveys, and seminars, particularly in departments like Botany, Geography, Geology, and Zoology, and participates actively in extension activities like health awareness, adult education, AIDS awareness, and environmental protection programs.
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