Orissa govt’s press release on the CM meeting the HRD minister; CM’s earlier letter to the PM
January 24th, 2008
Following is from http://rc.orissa.gov.in/index3.asp?linkid=30&sublinkid=320.
Shri Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister, Orissa met the Union Minister, Human Resource Development Shri Arjun Singh today and requested for setting up of a Greenfield IIT in Orissa during the 11th Five Year Plan period. Since Orissa is on the verge of rapid industrial upsurge not only in the industrial sector but also in technical education sector, the state provides enormous potential for research and development activities. Establishment of an IIT in Orissa will greatly facilitate in intensifying this process, which is of critical importance to make the industry globally competitive. 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.
Comments: There is a big difference between an IIT and an IIM in terms of investment and budgets.
The 7 IITs had a budget of 683.5 crores in 2006-07 and a budget of 1553.70 crores (taking into account the expansion plan) for 2007-08 while the 6 IIMs had a budget of 74 crores in 2006-07 and a budget of 144 crores for 2007-08.
The new IITs are to be made at a cost of 1000 crores each (over a period of 5-7 years) while each IIM will cost 100-150 crore. ( http://www.livemint.com
So we must watch out and make sure that Mr. Arjun Singh and the UPA govt. at the center does not try to cheat Orissa by giving only an IIM.
The state’s first demand is an IIT and only then an IIM. The CM has categorically stated that in his last letter to the PM. (See below)
If Orissa is given only one of them then it is an IIT that has to be given. Otherwise, it will be the UPA govt. and Arjun Singh cheating Orissa.
(Prior to this the CM also wrote to PM in May 2007 and January 31st 2007. The CM also met Arjun Singh on October 24 2005 (press release) on KBK Central University, on September 29 2006 on IIT Kharagpur branch campus and around May 16th 2007 on a greenfield IIT. So this was hist 4th meeting with Arjun Singh on IIT and KBK Central University issues.)
Entry Filed under: Central University of Orissa, Koraput,IIM,IIT, oDishA