Source: The Sangai Express / Agency
New Delhi, September 09, 2010:
Manipur University Tribal Students' Union (MUTSU) has expressed grave reservations over the delay in developing the campus of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) - at Makhan in Senapati district.
MUTSU, in a press release, alleged that the State Government is delaying the project by sending 'illogical' proposals to the Union Ministry of Forest and Environment for environmental clearance.
It added that enough precious time has been wasted in the initial stage of finalising the campus site and now the Government is delaying the project when Makhan villagers have donated 500 acres (200 hectares) for setting up of the University campus.
The formality of land acquisition and obtaining clearance from the Union Ministry of Forest and Environment has not been completed even after one year of ear marking the land, MUTSU said.
It expressed wonder why the State Government had sent a proposal of 98 acres (39.66 hactares) for clearance out of the total 500 acres.
MUTSU reminded that Chief Conservator of Forest, NE Circle, Shillong had intimated during his site visit that such piecemeal proposal was not advisable as acquisition of land could not be made in phase manner.
MUTSU urged the Government to get approval of the Government of India for the total land of 500 acres at the earliest in order to avoid complication and further delay.
Any type of approval in parts is not acceptable as it would derail growth of the University, it added.
If the State Government continues with such activities then MUTSU would be compelled to redress the grievance in the streets, MUTSU warned.
IGNTU-Regional Campus, Manipur is currently functioning at Tribal Research Institute campus as a temporary arrangement after it was set up in 2009.