(Thanks to a reader for the tip.)
The website of the Institute of Management Studies of Sri Sri University is http://ssuims.org/.
Their inaugural year will be 2011. For that year the programs offered are BBA and MBA. Following are excerpts from http://ssuims.org/introduction.html about their MBA program.
At Sri Sri University – Institute of Management Studies, we are looking for individuals who are eager to broaden their horizons and will make the Institute an inspiring place to learn. The following programs are being offered for the academic year 2011 – 2012:
1. Two Year Full Time Masters in Business Management – MBA General Management
2. Two Year Full Time Masters in Entrepreneurship Management – MBA Entrepreneurship
3. Two Year Full Time Masters in Agribusiness Management – MBA Agribusiness
… The size of the founding class will be 120 students for MBA General Management, 30 students for MBA Entrepreneurship and 30 students for MBA Agribusiness Management. The date of commencement of the programs will be 22nd July 2011.
They have assembled an excellent group of visiting faculty and corporate and academic mentors. One needs to wait and see the kind of permanent faculty they hire. That will really determine how good this institute and university will become.
Following is the message of the President of Sri Sri University as given in
http://ssuims.org/premsg.html.
" His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has envisioned establishing Sri Sri University under the aegis of Sri Sri Ravishankar Vidya Mandir Trust – the educational arm of the Art of Living – to revive the pre-eminence of India as the centre of world education. The Orissa Government has enacted the Sri Sri University act for establishing the University, which has been notified in the official gazette. The 185-acre sprawling campus is situated near the city of Cuttack in Orissa, overlooking the Kathjodi River. The campus is proposed to be self-sustaining, environment friendly, pollution-free and green. At optimum capacity the fully residential University campus will cater to over 7,500 students and around 2,000 teaching and support staff.
Sri Sri University is envisaged to become a multi-disciplinary single campus, covering every faculty of human endeavour from traditional Vedic Studies, Ayurveda, etc. to Modern Medicine, Management Studies, Engineering and Pure Science Research. The University will combine traditional wisdom and modern technology to bring about a synthesis of human and technological development. In a modern world where there is an ever-increasing gap between man and nature, Sri Sri University will become a centre of re-integration of man and nature. A unique feature of Sri Sri University will be its value integrated and interactive classroom delivery mechanisms, wherein the student develops a sense of social responsibility along with expertise in the subject. It will be interspersed with the proven Art of Living self-development programmes and yoga techniques to bring about total development in the physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual faculties of the students.
Sri Sri University – Institute of Management Studies aims to become “A Global Centre of Learning that creates exceptional Business Leaders of Character”. The education and culture will have a strong focus on ethical leadership, resulting in responsible leaders with a vision to serve the larger society while achieving personal goals. We aim to create leaders who are trustworthy, enthusiastic, highly aware and resilient. Students will be moulded to become intrinsically motivated managers, thus leading to the creation of a committed workforce. The Institute will commence in July 2011 with programmes in MBA General Management,, MBA AgriBusiness and MBA Entrepreneurship. "
December 4th, 2010
Author : Chitta Baral
Although this may not become part of Vedanta University, such feeder and/or associated colleges in Vedanta Company’s operational areas will hopefully bring more goodwill to Vedanta University. This is a good start. More is needed though. Colleges that can take in mostly local students and produce graduates that can find jobs, such as Nursing and B.Ed Colleges in Kalahandi and Jharsuguda, would be appreciated.
December 4th, 2010
Author : Chitta Baral
(Thanks to kalahandia.blogspot.com to initially attracting our attention to this.)
December 4th, 2010
Author : Chitta Baral
Following is from http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=68058.
Tribal University Set Up in Amarkantak
The Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU), Amarkantak became functional recently. In this regard the State Government of Madhya Pradesh handed over possession of 370 acres of land to the University. The University has since embarked upon construction of prefabricated Portal Frame Structure, with 87,000 square feet plinth area. The University is presently running 22 courses and programmes at undergraduate level. As on date the total number of students studying in the undergraduate courses at Amarkantak is 769, out of which 392 are Scheduled Tribe, 80 Scheduled Caste and 255 girl students.
The University has already established its Regional Campus at Manipur with a couple of programmes and the State Government has recently handed over possession of about 300 acres of land for establishment of a permanent campus. The IGNTU has also been approached by the State Governments of Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Kerala and Gujarat to open its Regional Campuses in their respective States.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Smt. D. Purandeswari, in written reply to a question, in the Rajya Sabha today.
MV/SKS/Hb
December 4th, 2010
Author : Chitta Baral
Following is an excerpt from a NDTV report.
The London School of Economics will collaborate with Reliance Foundation, run by the promoters of India’s largest corporate house, for setting up world-class universities in the South-Asian nation.
Reliance Foundation is the philanthropy arm of Indian billionaire industrialist Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries group, while the LSE is one of the world’s most reputed business schools.
The LSE would collaborate with the Reliance Foundation in setting up world class Universities in India, LSE’s Professor Lord Nicholas Stern said here last night.
December 3rd, 2010
Author : Chitta Baral
The following is from http://www.azimpremjifoundation.org/pdf/announcement.pdf.
Azim Premji, Chairman of the Azim Premji Foundation, announced today that he will transfer 213 million equity shares (at current market price valued approximately at Rs 8846 crores/Rs 88.4 billion) of Wipro Ltd., held by certain entities controlled by him to an irrevocable trust. The transfer will be effected by 7 December 2010. This trust will utilize the endowment to fund, various social, not-for-profit initiatives, which are expected to scale significantly over the next few years.
Since its inception in 2001, Azim Premji Foundation, has worked largely in rural India, often in close partnership with various State Governments, to help contribute to the improvement of quality of education. Its programs have touched over 25,000 schools and over 2.5 million children over the years.
Commenting on this occasion, Azim Premji said, “We believe that good education is crucial to building a just, equitable, humane and sustainable society. We want to contribute significantly towards improvement of education in India, and through that towards building a better society.”
Adding further, he said, “All our efforts, including the University that we are setting up, are focused on the underprivileged and disadvantaged sections of our society. Our experience of the past 10 years has motivated us to significantly scale up our initiatives, across multiple relevant dimensions.”
He explained further that. “The Foundation’s significant increase in scale and its clear focus on social purposes will require a substantial long term financial commitment, which is the purpose this endowment will serve.”
The Karnataka Government has recently approved the formation of the Azim Premji University under a special legislative act. The University has three key objectives:
1. To create education and development professionals of high caliber, with a deep commitment to social causes and a desire to work in disadvantaged communities
2. To build capacity of existing functionaries in the education sector – both Government and private – through continuing education programs; and
3. To create deep knowledge in education and development through high quality research that is relevant to India.
The following is from http://www.azimpremjifoundation.org/pdf/announcement.pdf
The University will be located in Bangalore and aims to be operational in 2011. The University will offer programs and conduct research in the field of Education and other closely related fields of Development. The University will be multidisciplinary in its approach, offering a range of programs e.g. in Education Policy, Teaching and Learning, Education Psychology, Educational Leadership & Management, Education Technology, Education Research and Development Studies.
The Foundation will also significantly increase the number of its field level programs, and for their implementation, establish a number of State & District Resource Centres. The intent is to progressively cover a large part of the country with these programs. The purpose of these programs will be to catalyze and support improvement in education in the field, especially in the disadvantaged areas of the country.
These State & District Resource Centers will have high Quality Education and Development professionals and other relevant resources to support schools, NGOs, District Institutes of Education & Training and other educational institutions in the district and at the State level. The centres will work with both Government & Private institutions.
The Foundation will continue to partner with various state governments (including continuing with its existing programs), institutions, NGOs and individuals in its work. The Foundation believes that real and sustainable social change can only be achieved by multiple constituents of the society working together.
The University and the State & District Resource Centers will work in a deeply integrated manner, and will also work seamlessly with the partner organizations.
To enable this integrated working and to drive the significant scale up envisioned across multiple dimensions, Azim Premji also recently announced the appointment of Dileep Ranjekar and Anurag Behar as Co-CEOs of the Foundation.
December 2nd, 2010
Author : Chitta Baral
Following is an excerpt from http://ediindia.org/Index.asp.
The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDI), an autonomous body and not-for-profit institution, set up in 1983, is sponsored by apex financial institutions, namely the IDBI Bank Ltd, IFCI Ltd. ICICI Ltd and State Bank of India (SBI). The Institute is registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860 and the Public Trust Act 1950. The Government of Gujarat pledged twenty-three acres of land on which stands the majestic and sprawling EDI campus.
It offers programs in:
It has project offices in:
- Lucknow (North)
- Bhubaneswar (East)
- Guwahati (North East)
- Bangalore (South)
Its network structure is as follows:
Its Bhubaneswar office address is: Naibedya, Plot No. 1855/2168 Ground Floor, Damana Square, Chandrashekharpur Bhubaneswar – 751 016. Telefax : 0674-2744100 E-mail : ediero@rediffmail.com
It has a project office in Dhenkanal: C/o Ramakanta Ratha At Amalapada PO/Dist Dhenkanal – 759 001. Phone : 0676-2227168 Email:edidhenkanal@gmail.com
Some of its 2010-11 programs in Odisha are given below.
| 1.5.2 |
Long-term Programme on Vocational Guidance & Skill Development |
Bhubaneswar |
6 months |
Displaced Families |
A combination of soft skill development inputs along with vocational training and entrepreneurship education to help prepare a batch of displaced families of Orissa to take up entrepreneurial activities. |
| 1.5.3 & 2.2.4 |
Certificate Course on Micro Enterprise Promotion and Development for BDS Providers |
Bhubaneswar |
6 months |
Graduate Women |
To create a cadre of well trained business development service providers for the SHGs and their Federation in promoting micro enterprises in Orissa. |
| 1.5.4 |
Socio Economic Empowerment Programme |
Dhenkanal |
3 years |
SHGs |
To strengthen SHG federations through promotion of Micro Enterprises in Orissa. |
| 2.2.4 & 1.5.3 |
Certificate Course on Micro Enterprise Promotion and Development for BDS Providers |
Bhubaneswar |
6 months |
Graduate Women |
To create a cadre of well trained business development service providers for the SHGs and their Federation in promoting micro enterprises in Orissa. |
IED Orissa, although a state government run institute is linked to this.
The Odisha government may consider contacting EDI to enlarge its campus in Bhubaneswar.
December 1st, 2010
Author : Chitta Baral
Following is an excerpt from http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/ntpc-seeks-land-for-medical-college-in-state/416713/.
"NTPC has sought 15 acres of land for setting up a medical college in the state. It has also evinced interest in setting up a power engineering institute. The company has written to us, requesting for land allotment and we will hold an inter-departmental meeting soon to decide on the site for the medical college and the power engineering institute. The details of the medical college are yet to be finalized but as per the norms of Medical Council of India, they have to start with a 300-bed facility”, an official source told Business Standard.
NTPC which had proposed to set up two super thermal power plants to be set up at Gajamara in Dhenkanal district and Darlipalli in Sundergarh district and also add 1320 Mw to its thermal power station at Talcher, was keen to sign a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the state owned Grid Corporation of Orissa (Gridco).
The PPA was to be signed between NTPC and Gridco for a period of 25 years. NTPC is setting up a 3200 Mw power plant at Gajamara and 4800 Mw power plant at Darlipalli.
One of the conditions set by the state government for signing of the PPA was the setting up of a medical college and a power engineering institute. The second condition was allocation of 50 per cent power for the state from the two proposed super thermal power stations."NTPC has claimed that it has got the approval of the Centre for allocation of 50 per cent of power for the host state. … ”, the source added.
The proposed super thermal power projects of NTPC at Gajamara and Darlipalli were scheduled to be operational by 2016-17. The Gajamara project needed 2900 acres of land and NTPC claimed to have conducted the gram sabha for this project in March this year.
After MCL, this is the next public sector company to have agreed to set up a medical college in Odisha. (This is not considering ESI corporation and Indian Railways’s plans.) Next NALCO and SAIL must be pressured for medical colleges in Koraput and Rourkela respectively.
November 30th, 2010
Author : Chitta Baral
Following is an excerpt from a report in Times of India.
Though regular postgraduate tech programmes will be there, this is not to be its focal area. The institute authorities want the campus to have advanced laboratories, run incubation programmes and become an industry hub which will attract international and national industries to set up their R&D infrastructure here. It shall also be a nodal centre for the larger technology parks being set up around the institute in Kharagpur.
"The Kolkata campus shall be mandated to promote an inter-disciplinary structure to incubation programmes, multi-disciplinary academic programmes, advanced research and development activities. We will also have some PG programmes in the emerging areas. But all this can start only if we get possession of the land!" said PP Chakraborty, dean of the institute’s sponsored research initiatives, who is in charge of drawing up the plans for the new campus.
"We are looking at helping tech professionals who already have a basic degree and do not need to stay on the campus for a full-time programme," Chakraborty added.
The multi-disciplinary areas being targeted include Information Technology, VLSI & Embedded Systems, Media and Communication Technologies, Information Assurance and Security, Urban and Regional Informatics, Human Resources Management and Business Administration, and, Bio-Informatics.
November 29th, 2010
Author : Chitta Baral
(Thanks to a reader for the pointer.)
The details of the ranking is at http://dqindia.ciol.com/content/top_stories/2010/110112403.asp. The top 15 in that list with their 2009 ranking in parenthesis.
- IIT Bombay (New)
- IIT Delhi (2)
- IIT Kharagpur (1)
- IIT Madras (3)
- IIIT Hyderabad (7)
- IIT Roorkee (5)
- IT BHU (10)
- IIT Guwahati (6)
- BITS Pilani (8)
- NIT Surathkal (9)
- NSIT Delhi (17)
- NIT Rourkela (22)
- IIIT Allahabad (14)
- BIT Mesra (13)
- NIT Hamirpur (26)
This high ranking of NIT Rourkela is a parting gift to NIT Director, Prof. Sunil Sarangi. He did wonders to NIT Rourkela.
November 28th, 2010
Author : Chitta Baral
Following is from Section 2 of the report by the 2009 committee which reviewed the then deemed universities and divided them to three categories; the second category (which included KIIT University Bhubaneswar) of universities were found somewhat deficient and given time to correct the deficiency and the third category (which included SOA University Bhubaneswar) were found deficient and it was recommended that the deemed tag may be taken away from them.
The committee consisted of Prof. P. N. Tandon, Prof. Goverdhan Mehta, Prof. M. Anandakrishnan, Prof. Mrinal Miri and Shri Sunil Kumar (Convenor).
Universities are institutions that are meant to sustain human practices and activities of a very special kind. They are, of course, concerned centrally with higher education and research, but their concern in these fields is very different from that of other institutions of higher learning and research which are devoted to imparting knowledge and skills that are essential to competent and creative pursuit of what might be called ‘technical professions’. Examples of such professions are: different branches of engineering, various aspects of medicine and surgery, and, in our times – because of the rise of corporations and bureaucratic governance -management and control of humans. It may be suggested, without much fear of contradiction, that the primary value of the kind of knowledge and skills imparted by such institutions resides in their utility – utility in creating an infrastructure for the physical wellbeing of the general public, utility in sustaining good health of individuals and the community, utility in enhancing the profit margins of corporations, and of course utility in terms of their own marketability. However, the very best of such institutions have shown the capacity to transcend utility, and this often has the effect of transforming the very quality of education they impart.
While universities are not entirely free from utility-driven higher education and learning, their core aim – if one may be allowed to say so – is very different. Universities are meant to be places -which facilitate and promote critical intellectual engagement with: (a) different traditions of thought and its great variety of expression, (b) modes of understanding the human condition and predicament, (c) the incredibly diverse inanimate and non-human living world. Such engagement obviously has many utilitarian and extrinsic values; but it is its intrinsic value that marks it off as a very special sort of human practice. It requires the development of a form of attention that focuses -beyond the interests of the self and its preoccupations with itself – on the other whether the other is a tradition of thought, or a particular human collectivity and its specific way of being human, or the physical world and its amazing intricacies, or the magieal variety of non-human life.
Such attention is valuable in itself not only because it entails the exercise of virtues such as honesty, courage and fairness, but, more importantly because these virtues must find a unity within the overarching virtue of care (some might even say, love). Care such as this requires the presence of the person – the whole ‘person – to the other, to the object of care. To be wholly present to the other in this way, is for the person to become more as a person. It enhances the human person as a person. The intrinsic value of university education lies ultimately in its inherent capacity to induce such enhancement of the person in us.
This is the truth of the commonly held belief that a truly educated person is larger as a person than an uneducated person. It is of course also true that a person may have gone through the process of education, including university education, and remained uneducated. Education has failed to make the difference in the latter instance which it is meant to have made. Some of the natural outcomes of such caring and critical attention and engagement are: traditions of thought and research are carried forward, creativity finds a central place, new modes of understanding and explanation emerge, just as new objects of such attention begin to loom on the horizon. These indeed are the intrinsic rewards of the practices sustained by a University. Think of the humanities, (which, as a result of the practicalities of the division of academic labour are split into "disciplines" such as literature, the arts, philosophy, history etc.); the human sciences (economics, psychology, anthropology, sociology and so on); the physical sciences including mathematics, the life sciences and exciting new areas of enquiry in them – think of them and the role of the Universities in taking them forward, in devising new modes of enquiry and uncovering fresh objects of study and thought.
It is important at this point to remind ourselves of what the Radhakrishnan Commission of Education 1948 had to say on the question of setting up of new universities – "….There are certain fundamental characteristics which should be inherent in any institution which is to call itself a university …It should be a place for providing a student with opportunity for all round well proportioned education for effective living and for citizenship, in addition to preparation for a calling. It may occur that a university shall develop special strength in some particular field, as in engineering or industrial development or in teacher-training or inforestry or fisheries. In fact, since no institution can be excellent in everything, it is desirable that areas of special strength be developed at least in all but perhaps the largest of our universities. However, these areas of special strength should be in addition to facilities for all round higher educqtion, and should not be a substitute for such facilities. Unless an institution aims at providing such all round training it should continue as a technical institute and should not aspire to be a university… Institutions doing perfunctory or mediocre work should not be dignified by university status."
Thus, what is crucial is that universities must not, in their various pursuits, lose sight of this essential concept of a university. There is, sadly, much truth in the general belief that many of our universities have willy-nilly lost sight of this idea. This has resulted in a certain debasement of the very concept of a university allowing institutions with little claim to the status of a university to aspire for such status.
November 27th, 2010
Author : Chitta Baral
November 27th, 2010
Author : Chitta Baral
Following is an excerpt from a report in Pioneer.
The State Government on Friday inked an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sahyog Health Care and Research Foundation, a charitable trust, for setting up of a 100 seat medical college and hospital at Keonjhar by the latter.
The Government has agreed to provide 20 acres of land free of premium and `10 crore as assistance for the proposed medical which is expected to be operationilised by 2012-end. The MoU was signed by Director of Medical Education and Training Trilochan Sahu and Chairman of the Foundation Sugrib Singh in the presence of Health and Family Welfare Minister Prasanna Acharya, Health Secretary Anu Garg and other officials.
… Chairman of the Foundation Sugrib Singh said though the Government will provide 20 acres of land for the medical college and hospital, they have set a target to purchase 17 acres of land more for the same.
“Initially we would start the medical college and hospital with 100 seats for MBBS course and 300 beds. The Government will give us `10 crore in two installments,” Singh informed.
Singh also informed that they have proposals to set up other colleges dental college (100 seats), BSc nursing college (60 seats), nursing school (100 seats) and a paramedical institute having 100 seats for various streams. The proposed medical college is expected to begin functioning in two years time, Singh informed.
We reported about this earlier on Feb 18th 2010 and June 10th 2010. Additional details about the Sahyog foundation is in those reports.
November 27th, 2010
Author : Chitta Baral
Update 5: The companies act of 1956 is at http://www.vakilno1.com/bareacts/companiesact/companiesacts.htm.
Update 4: The land acquisition act is given at http://dolr.nic.in/hyperlink/acq.htm. Following are the excerpts on the whole section on land acquisition for companies, including Section 40 referred below.
PART VII
Acquisition of Land for Companies
38. [Company may be authorized to enter and survey]. Rep. by the Land Acquisition (Amendment) Act, 1984 (68 of 1984), s.21.
[38A. Industrial concern to be deemed Company for certain purposes. – An industrial concern, ordinarily employing not less than one hundred workmen owned by an individual or by an association of individuals and not being a Company, desiring to acquire land for the erection of dwelling houses for workmen employed by the concern or for the provision of amenities directly connected therewith shall, so far as concerns the acquisition of such land, be deemed to be a Company for the purposes of this Part, and the references to Company in [selections 4, 5A, 6, 7 and 50] shall be interpreted as references also to such concern]
39. Previous consent of appropriate Government and execution of agreement necessary. – The provisions of [sections 6 to 16 (both inclusive) and sections 18 to 37 (both inclusive)] shall not be put in force in order to acquire land for any company [under this Part], unless with the previous consent of the [appropriate Government], not unless the Company shall have executed the agreement hereinafter mentioned.
40. Previous enquiry. – (1) Such consent shall not be given unless the [appropriate Government] be satisfied. [either on the report of the Collector under section 5A, sub-section (2), or] by an enquiry held as hereinafter provided, –
[(a) that the purpose of the acquisition is to obtain land for the erection of dwelling houses for workmen employed by the Company or for the provision of amenities directly connected therewith, or
[(aa) that such acquisition is needed for the construction of some building or work for a Company which is engaged or is taking steps for engaging itself in any industry or work which is for a public purpose, or]
(b) that such acquisition is needed for the construction of some work, and that such work is likely to prove useful to the public].
(2) Such enquiry shall be held by such officer and at such time and place as the [appropriate Government] shall appoint.
(3) Such officer may summon and enforce the attendance of witnesses and compel the production of documents by the same means and, as far as possible, in the same manner as is provided by the [Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908)] in the case of a Civil Court.
41. Agreement with appropriate Government. – If the [appropriate Government] is satisfied [after considering the report, if any, of the Collector under section 5A, sub-section (2), or on the report of the officer making an inquiry under section 40] that [the proposed acquisition is for any of the purposes referred to in clause (a) or clause (aa) or clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 40], it shall require the Company to enter into an agreement [with the [appropriate Government]], providing to the satisfaction of the [appropriate Government] for the following matters, namely :-
(1) the – [payment to the [appropriate Government]] of the cost of the acquisition;
(2) the transfer, on such payment, of the land to the Company.
(3) the terms on which the land shall be held by the Company,
[(4) where the acquisition is for the purpose of erecting dwelling houses or the provision of amenities connected therewith, the time within which, the conditions on which and the manner in which the dwelling houses or amenities shall be erected or provided;
[(4A) where the acquisition is for the construction of any building or work for a Company which is engaged or is taking steps for engaging itself in any industry or work which is for a public purpose, the time within which, and the conditions on which, the building or work shall be constructed or executed; and]
(5) where the acquisition is for the construction of any other work, the time within which and the conditions on which the work shall be executed and maintained and the terms on which the public shall be entitled to use the work.]
42. Publication of agreement. – Every such agreement shall, as soon as may be after its execution, be published in the official Gazette, and shall thereupon (so far as regards the terms on which the public shall be entitled to use the work) have the same effect as if it had formed part of this Act.
43. Section 39 to 42 not to apply where Government bound by agreement to provide land for Companies. – The provisions of sections 39 to 42, both inclusive, shall not apply and the corresponding sections of Land Acquisition Act, 1870 (10 of 1870), shall be deemed never to have applied, to the acquisition of land for any Railway or other Company, for the purposes of which, [under any agreement with such Company, the secretary of State for India in Council, the Secretary of State, [the Central Government or any State Government] is or was bound to provide land].
44. How agreement with Railway Company may be proved. – In the case of the acquisition of land for the purpose of a Railway Company, the existence of such an agreement as is mentioned in section 43 may be proved by the production of a printed copy thereof purporting to be printed by order of Government.
[44A. Restriction on transfer, etc. – No Company for which any land is acquired under this Part shall be entitled to transfer the said land or any part thereof by sale, mortgage, gift, lease or otherwise except with the previous sanction of the appropriate Government.
44B. Land not to be acquired under this Part except for certain purpose for private companies other than Government companies. – Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, no land shall be acquired under this Part, except for the purpose mentioned in clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 40, for a private company, which is not a Government company.
Explanation. – "Private company" and "Government company" shall have the meaning respectively assigned to them in the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956).]
Update 3: Following are excerpts from a report in Pioneer.
The dispute was over whether the Anil Agarwal Foundation is a private company or a public company in terms of the provisions of the Companies Act, 1956. The Court held that the acquisition of land in favour of the Foundation is not permissible, except for some limited purposes enumerated under Section 40(1)(a) of the Land Acquisition Act, since it is a private company.
The Chief Minister, however, countered the Court’s stand by stating, “In this connection I may point out that acquisition was never made under this aforesaid provision but under Section 40(1) (aa) or 40 (l) (b) for a public purpose, the acquisition being for the purpose of setting up a university… As the Government has accepted, based on the records, that the Foundation is a Public Company, land acquisition for an educational purpose like for the proposed world class university would be permissible under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894.”
Replying to the court’s observation that the Ordinance promulgated by the State Government in favour of the Foundation cannot give the legal status to the university proposed to be established in the acquired land by the Foundation, Patnaik observed, “The reference to the Ordinance is baffling and is an error apparent on the face of record. The fact is that no Ordinance has ever been promulgated by the Government for establishing the proposed Vedanta University. Under the UGC Regulations, 2003 a university can be set up by an Act of Parliament or State Legislature by a Section 25 Company or a Trust or a Registered Society. The promoter of the proposed University, the Foundation is a “not for profit” Company registered under Section 25 of the Companies Act”.
The Chief Minister further clarified that the Assembly has already passed a Bill in July, 2009 for setting up the Vedanta University with an aim to provide education of global standards in the State. The Bill is presently awaiting the assent of the Governor.
The High Court had also observed that acquiring land in which two rivers are flowing, and requiring the company to maintain the flow of these rivers, would affect the residents of the area. The Chief Minister contended that no land comprising the rivers, channels or embankment would be transferred to the university.
“There is also no proposal to alienate the water channels in favour of the proposed university and the ownership, possession and right of use of channel will continue with Water Resources Department, and hence will serve the interest of the public at large”, he claimed.
Update 2: Following are excerpts from an IANS report in sify.com.
‘The setting up a world class university in Orissa is most certainly in the larger public interest and his government had acted in a bonafide manner throughout the process,’ Patnaik told the assembly in response to an adjournment motion.
… Responding to the questions raised by some opposition members during the debate, Patnaik also reiterated that as per the records available with the government, the foundation had satisfied all the norms for converting itself from a private to public company.
Update 1: Following are excerpts from a report in Business Standard.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has shot back at the Opposition, refuting all allegations regarding land acquisition for the proposed Vedanta University Project.
Responding to the adjournment motion on the issue moved by the Congress MLA Prasad Harichandan, Patnaik clarified that land acquisition for the project was not illegal.
… Giving his initial response to the motion, the chief minister said,"After receipt of intimation of the Anil Agarwal Foundation about the change of its status from a private to a public limited company, notification was issued under Sub-Section 1 of Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act in respect of 7184.37 acres of land which was subsequently reduced to 6137.90 acres. Acquisition has since been made in respect of 3495.21 acres of private land while government land to the extent of 509.27 acres has also been leased out to the Foundation”.
Referring to the High Court verdict on the issue, he said, “The High Court has held that the Anil Agarwal Foundation is a private company and not a public company in terms of provisions of the Companies Act, 1956. Therefore, it has held that the acquisition of land in favour of the Foundation is not permissible except for some limited purposes enumerated under Section 40 (1) (a) of the Land Acquisition Act. In this connection, I may point out that acquisition was never made under this aforesaid provision but under Section 40 (1) (a) (a) or 40 (1(b) for a public purpose, the acquisition being for the purpose of setting up a university.”
He further clarified that the Anil Agarwal Foundation had confirmed to the state government regarding the change of its status from a private to a public company with effect from November 23, 2006 by a resolution of the Extraordinary General Meeting pursuant to the approval of the regional director, Department of Company Affairs.
"The company subsequently produced a letter dated February 21, 2007 from D K Gupta, Registrar of Companies to its address stating that the company has complied with the provisions of requirements of Section 25 of the Companies’ Act and accordingly, the status of the company has been changed from a private company to a public limited company. A copy of this letter has also been filed before the High Court by the Foundation on June 20, 2008”, he added.
Patnaik also clarified that there has been no violation of Section 16 (2) of the Shri Jagannath Temple Act.
"So far as the acquisition of land from the Lord Jagannath Temple is concerned, about 606 acres spread over nine villages has been acquired under the Land Acquisition Act. There is no violation of Section 16 (2) of the Shri Jagannath Temple Act by such acquisition as the above section mentions about previous sanction of the state government for lease, mortgage, sale and alienation of land belonging to Lord Jagannath and would not, therefore, apply to the acquisition of land under the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act”, he added. …
Following is an excerpt from a report in DNA.
Indicating that the Orissa government might challenge the high court judgement on Vedanta University in the Supreme Court, chief minister Naveen Patnaik today claimed that there was no violation of law during land acquisition for the proposed project in Puri district.
"The period of challenging the order of the high court has not yet expired. The advocate general has been requested to advise the government on the subject, after which appropriate steps will be taken in accordance with the law," he said in a statement on an adjournment motion moved by Congress chief whip Prasad Harichandan on the issue.
… The court, in its November 16 judgement, stated that the acquisition process by the state government for a private limited company was not legal.
The chief minister, however, said, "We started land acquisition process after receipt of intimation from Anil Agarwal Foundation about the change of its status from a private to a public limited company."
Claiming that the state government had not violated law of the land, Patnaik said that land was acquired for public purpose.
"I would like to point out that the Foundation had submitted a letter dated 22, November, 2006 issued by VS Rao, regional director, ministry of company affairs, Mumbai to its address, stating that their request for permission under section 25(8) of the Companies’ Act has been considered for conversion of status of the company from private company, and that the provision of section 23, 31, 189 (2) and 192 of the Companies Act are required to be compiled with," Patnaik said.
However, a representative of the Registrar of Companies, Mumbai in its affidavit before the high court on October 15, 2008 stated that though the Registrar considered the change of status from private to public limited company, it did not furnish a certified true copy of the altered memorandum and articles of association.
The company affidavit also stated that the company had less than 7 members, the minimum requirement of a public company.
"This stand is at variance from the contents of the letter dated 21-2-2007 reportedly issued by the Registrar of the company. In view of the apparent contradiction, this matter will be examined further and appropriate steps will be taken as per law," Patnaik said.
Patnaik also rejected other factors that the varsity project would affect the Konark-Balukhand Sanctuary, violation of environment act, forest act and others.
Admitting that about 600 acre of land belonging to Jagannath Temple was acquired for the purpose, the chief minister said: "The high court has not passed any order with regard to the acquisition of the Jagannath Temple land."
Patnaik also cited recommendation of a House Committee that had earlier recommended for disposal of temple land to augment the resources of the temple. "By present acquisition for the proposed university, Rs8.80 crore have been received by the temple administration," he said.
Stating that a world-class university was required for the state, Patnaik said Vedanta Group had selected Puri after looking for different places in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal.
It is great to read that the CM understands the importance of Vedanta University. He has taken a huge risk to his political career in supporting this. It is time we take action in support of this. Stay tuned for our action plan.
November 25th, 2010
Author : Chitta Baral
Following is an excerpt from a report in samayalive.com.
Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN) would start a two-year diploma course in naturopathy and yoga thearpy from next academic year, a top official said on Wednesday.
The course, sanctioned by union health ministry, was to cater to the growing demands for para-medical staff and assistants in the field of naturopathy and yoga therapy, Dr B T Chidananda Murthy, Director, CCRYN, Delhi, told to reporter.
… Stating that there were 12 naturopathy and yogic science colleges in the Country and about 300 doctors were coming out every year, he said the Council from next year would provide a scholarship of Rs 5,000 to those who are getting admitted for degree course outside their state, for the entire five years.
… Under Council’s new initiative, the ministry has approved to open six Central Research Institute for Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences at a cost of Rs 25 crore each, and three had already started construction in Karnataka,Haryana and Manipur, which would have 100 bedded hospitals.
The Council was negotiating with the Governments of Orissa, Jharkhand and Assam for starting such Centres, since it required a minimum of 10 acre of land free of cost.Discussions were on with Tamil Nadu government also, he said.
This is in addition to the planned central government take over of the Govt. Dr. AC Homoeopathy Medical College in Bhubaneshwar.
November 24th, 2010
Author : Chitta Baral
Following is from http://iitbbs.gov.in/iit_news_events_details.php?id=15&type=scroll.
IIT Bhubaneswar invites applications from Indian nationals who are exceptionally bright and motivated, with an established record of independent, high quality research and commitment to teaching for position of Professors for its new School of Earth, Ocean and Climate Sciences (SEOCS) on direct recruitment / contract / by transfer on deputation basis with provision for absorption.
The prime responsibility of the Professor so recruited would be to set up the School of Earth, Ocean and Climatic Sciences and the Innovation Centre for climate changes. Besides setting up of the School, his / her other responsibilities would, inter alia, include, the following activities:-
1. To play a leading role in the proposed school of Earth, Ocean and Climate Sciences in IIT Bhubaneswar and steering it towards achieving excellence in research and education.
2. To develop R&D Programme relevant to the needs of the proposed school and other organization in the related areas.
3. To develop and participate in the academic programmes of the Institute and co-ordinate research programmes funded by various agencies in the related areas.
4. To initiate and develop student awareness programmes relevant to the needs of Earth, Ocean, and climatic Sciences (SEOCS) in the country in general and in the state of Odisha in particular.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE: – The candidate must have a Ph.D or equivalent degree in Earth System Sciences (Geology, Geophysics, Atmospheric or Oceanic Sciences) with consistent good academic record. He/She must be holding a regular position of Professor in a national Institute of repute with at least 15 years research experience in any branch of Earth System Sciences.
Desirable: – Proven experience of administrative capabilities as Head of the Department / Centre / Programme for at least a period of 2 years. He/She must have successfully handled sponsored / Consultancy R&D projects and be able to interact nationally and internationally in the inter disciplinary areas of Earth System Sciences.
No. of Post: 1(one) UNRESERVED
Scale of Pay :-
Position
Pay Band
Minimum Pay in the Pay Band
Academic Grade Pay
Professor
PB:4 Rs.37,400-Rs. 67,000/-
Rs. 48,000/-
Rs. 10,500/-
Pay Protection is admissible for Professors drawing salary at a higher stage including HAG Scale. In addition to above pay, allowances and other facilities including medical facilities, LTC etc would be same as approved by the Govt of India for IITs.
1. A cumulative Professional Development Allowance of Rs. 3 Lakhs for every block period of 3 years on reimbursement basis to meet the expenses for attending international/national conferences, paying membership fees of professional bodies, covering book grant, paying telephone charges and meeting contingent expenses etc. as per Institute guidelines.
OTHER INCENTIVES
2. Reimbursement of relocation charges at the time of joining up to a ceiling of Rs. 90,000/- as per Institute norm.
3. Honorarium of Rs. 15, 000/- per month to the faculty members who have obtained Bhatnagar Award OR are Fellows of at least two National Academies. A faculty member is entitled for only one honorarium.
In the event of a Professor who is under Pension Scheme in any Central/State Government funded Pensionable establishment, the Institute would pay his leave salary and pension contribution as per rate prescribed by the Govt of India for the period of deputation. The period of deputation would be ordinarily for a period of five years with provision for absorption subject to satisfactory performance.
Terms & Conditions for appointment on transfer on deputation
Candidate possessing the requisite qualification and experience may submit their application in the prescribed proforma either a hard copy or by E-mail to the Registrar, IIT Bhubaneswar, Samanatapuri , Bhubaneswar-751013, India (E-mail: faculty.app @iitbbs.ac.in) latest by 15th December 2010. Those who are under Govt / Govt funded Institute should apply through proper channel. However, if a delay is envisaged he/she can submit an advance copy of his/her application to the Institute.
How to Apply:
Advt. No. R/7/2010 Dated: 15.11.2010
Registrar
November 22nd, 2010
Author : Chitta Baral
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