Bhupinder Singh questioned on location of Central University!

World class varsity land identified
Tathya.in, June 11, 2009
Bhubaneswar:11/June/2009

The Orissa Government has identified a patch of 700 acre plus land at Talabasta in Banki Sub-division of Cuttack district for the proposed World Class University.

Debi Prasad Mishra, Minister Higher Education has revealed in the Orissa House on 11 June here.

Replaying to a question Mr.Mishra said that the State Government has informed the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) in this regard.

The land is free from litigations and it was also near to the Capital.

The River Mahanadi at the backdrop, makes the place a picturesque one, said he.

“We have asked MHRD to send their site selection team to finalize the site”, said Mr.Mishra.

He informed the Assembly that a team headed by Sunil Kumar is visiting Koraput to finalize the site for the proposed Central University on 14 June.

A five-member team will inspect the 500 plus acre land near Koraput township for setting up the varsity.

Minister said that the identified place is well connected with rail and roads.

Schools, hospitals and other social infrastructures are available in the nearby places, so that faculty and staff will not face any problem to fulfill basic requirements of their children and family members.

He said the State Government is extending all out support to run the Central University in a rented accommodation till the construction of the varsity is over.

Minister informed the House that till date only Vice Chancellor has been appointed and now process is on to rope in staff.

VC is also making efforts to appoint faculty members for the varsity, said Mr.Mishra.

He hoped that this initiative of the MHRD will improve access of the students of KBK region to quality education.

Bhupinder Singh, Leader of Opposition said that the Central University was to be set up at Bhawanipatna as per promise of the Chief Minister.

Naveen Patnaik had promised to a delegation of Kalahandi to set up the varsity at Kalahandi.

Then why the Government did change it to Koraput, creating frustration among the educated masses of Kalahandi, lamented Mr.Singh.

Minister feigned ignorance about the said meeting and CM’s promise over the issue.

Prasad Harichandan wanted to know when the World class university will come up in the state.

Minister blamed it on Centre, saying MHRD is yet to reply back the State Government in this regard.

Sources said MHRD is still non-commital over the matter and nothing has been given in concrete terms to the Government of Orissa by MHRD, except the announcement.