Berhampur: Higher Education Minister of Odisha Pradeep Panigrahi has made surprise visits to three colleges, near here, and tested the general knowledge of the students.
During his visit to City College, Berhampur, SB Science College, Kanishi and KM College, Narendrapur yesterday, the minister questioned students on the number of districts in the state and names of ministers.
"The students' response was satisfactory," he said.
While the minister checked the attendance registers in the City Colleges, he took classes in the other two institutions. All three colleges fall under his assembly constituency of Gopalpur.
Panigrahi advised the students to read newspapers regularly to improve their general knowledge and debating skills. He has decided to visit different colleges in the state after a visit to a Rayagada College, where students failed to answer simple questions last month. It left him shocked.
"We have to help students improve their general awareness," he said adding the matter will be discussed with the principals.
