Foundation and Vision

• Foundation Ceremony: The foundation stone of NIT Raipur was laid by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, on 14 September 1956. The construction was completed in 1962, and the institute was inaugurated by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, on 14 March 1963.
• Initial Purpose: Prior to 1956, India had only three technical institutes dedicated to mining and metallurgical engineering. NIT Raipur was established on 1 May 1956 as the Government College of Mining and Metallurgy to address this gap and to utilize the region's abundant mineral resources. The first academic session commenced on 1 July 1956, with 15 students enrolled in mining and metallurgical engineering courses.

Early Developments

• Expansion of Programs: In the academic year 1958-59, additional courses in Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering were introduced, leading to the college being renamed the Government College of Engineering and Technology.
• Further Growth: Over the years, several graduate programs were added:
  • Chemical Engineering (1965)
  • Architecture (1984)
  • Electronics (1985)
  • Information Technology and Computer Science & Technology (2000)
  • Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering (2003)

Recent History

• Upgrade to NIT Status: Responding to the increasing demand for Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the then Minister of Human Resource Development, Murali Manohar Joshi, initiated the upgrade of Regional Engineering Colleges (RECs) to National Institutes of Technology (NITs) in 2003. Consequently, on 1 December 2005, the institute was designated a National Institute of Technology.
• Institute of National Importance: This status was reaffirmed with the passing of the National Institutes of Technology Act, 2007 in May 2007.

Campus Facilities

NIT Raipur boasts a well-organized and expansive campus designed to foster education and innovation:

• Campus Size: The institute covers a total area of 100 acres.
• Main Building:
  • A triple-storied structure with a central tower rising to 23 meters.
  • Total built-up area: 62,060 sq.m.
  • Facilities include 35 lecture halls (6,675 sq.m) and 13 drawing halls/studios (3,510 sq.m).
• Laboratories and Departments:
  • Approximately 85 labs covering an area of 11,510 sq.m.
  • Specialized blocks for various disciplines, including a dedicated Architecture block equipped with an auditorium, architectural library, material lab, workshop, and studios.
• Student Amenities:
  • A canteen, cycle stand, and student activity center.
  • Co-operative store and dispensary.
  • Facilities for extracurricular activities through the National Cadet Corps (N.C.C) and National Service Scheme (N.S.S).
  • Makerspace for hands-on learning and innovation.

 History:

• Originally established as Government Engineering College Raipur in 1956.
• Renamed to National Institute of Technology Raipur and recognized as an Institute of National Importance.

 Accreditations:

• Various courses are accredited by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA).
• Approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

Central Library of NIT Raipur

The Central Library at the National Institute of Technology, Raipur, serves as a vital resource hub for students, faculty, and research scholars. Here are the key features and offerings of the library:

Collection and Resources

• Extensive Collection: The library boasts a vast collection of over 1 crore documents, which includes:
  • Textbooks: Essential reading materials for various courses.
  • Reference Books: Comprehensive resources for in-depth study and research.
  • Back Volume Journals: Historical academic publications providing valuable insights into past research.
• Subscriptions: The library maintains subscriptions to a significant number of:
  • Print Journals: For access to current research and developments in various fields.
  • Online Resources: Digital databases and e-journals, enhancing access to scholarly articles and research papers.

Library Automation

• The library is undergoing an automation program using LibSys7, a library management software, which is expected to streamline library operations and improve user experience.

User Base

• The library caters to the information needs of nearly 5,000 users, including:
  • Faculty Members: For teaching and research purposes.
  • Staff: To support their professional development.
  • Students: BTech, M.Tech, and MCA students utilize the library for academic success.
  • Research Scholars: Engaged in advanced studies and research projects.

Central Computer Center (CCC)

• Although the specifics of the Central Computer Center (CCC) were not provided in your text, it typically serves as a crucial facility for IT services and support within the institute. The CCC usually provides:
  • Computing Resources: Access to computers, software applications, and internet services for students and faculty.
  • Technical Support: Assistance with IT-related issues and guidance for using various software tools.
  • Workshops and Training: Programs to enhance digital literacy and technical skills among users.

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