New Delhi, Jan 24 (Odisha.in) Orissa chief minister Naveen Patnaik Wednesday met the Union Minister, Human Resource Development Arjun Singh and requested for setting up of a Greenfield IIT in Orissa during the 11th Five Year Plan period in the state.
Orissa is on the verge of rapid industrial upsurge not only in the industrial sector but also in technical education sector and the state provides enormous potential for research and development activities, Patnaik said.
Establishment of an IIT in Orissa will greatly facilitate in intensifying this process, which is of critical importance to make the industry globally competitive, he said.
Further, the Chief Minister urged the Union Minister, Human Resource Development for establishment of a Greenfield Indian Institute of Management in Orissa.
Given the current industrial boom in Orissa, it is necessary to bring in professional culture and management. The IIT shall be the incubation centre for quality managerial professionals required for the various sectors of the economy.
The Chief Minister also demanded for setting up of a Central University in the KBK region which could educate the youth in traditional and modern disciplines.
Since the quality of human resource holds the key to the development of any region, there is an urgent need to set up a top class multi-disciplinary Central University in the KBK Region covering disciplines such as basic sciences, humanities, law, medicine, agriculture, horticulture etc. Besides, the Central University in KBK would also indirectly help in combating left wing extremism in the region.
The Union Minister, HRD indicated that Orissa has a very good case for setting up of a Central University in the KBK region.
He added that there is a strong possibility of setting up of an IIT / IIM at Orissa because of the unprecedented industrial growth witnessed by the State. He indicated that decision in this regard will be taken by the Union Government soon.
Shri Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister, Orissa also met the Union Minister, Urban Development Shri S Jaipal Reddy and requested him for enhancement of allocation of fund to Orissa to at least Rs.2500 crore under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and Rs.1000 crore under the Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for the Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT).
Government of Orissa is committed to undertake various mandatory and basic reforms in order to strengthen the resource base and delivery system of the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the State. The Chief Minister informed the Union Urban Development Minister that the Government of India have sanctioned so far only Rs.504 crore under Urban Infrastructure Governance (UIG) component of JNNURM and Rs.144 crore under UIDSSMT.
Further, the Union Urban Development Minister was informed that the State Government have been awarded only Rs.231.09 crore, which is quite inadequate to meet the minimum investment demand of Rs.2500 crore required under JNNURM. The Urban Minister assured to extend maximum possible financial assistance to make the capital city of Bhubaneswar and pilgrim city of Puri as world class.
He further promised to extend support to improve urban infrastructure and environment in the small and medium towns of Orissa. He also offered to help the state in getting affordable housing for economically weaker sections of the society.
Odisha.in