The laying of foundation stone for the proposed National Institute of Technology (NIT) by the Prime Minister of India at Kangla on his last visit is indeed a boon for the State of Manipur. Though it may not be comparable to IITs or IIMs, yet there is no doubt that the establishment of such institute of national standard will go a far way in heralding a new dawn in providing a new vista to our knowledge thirsty youngsters.

History will remember the Congress-led Government at the Centre and the State Government under O. Ibobi for taking such mature decision which will incubate young fertile minds for the progress of the nation in general and the State in particular. Needless to say, NIT can become a experimental laboratory where productive minds put their heads together and take the country a step toward technological revolution.

It is believed that once the Institute is set up and run by well experienced professionals, it will not be merely reduced to a class-room activity. We believe that it will become a platform for creative students to explore ways to make technology more relevant in our lives.

A special mention may be made here of lIT, Guwahati where it designed a userfriendly cycle-rickshaw. The innovative design of the rickshaw makes the machine much lighter in weight, less accident prone, less energy to drive and above all ensures safety and comfort to the passengers. Such ingenious intention benefiting the local populace can also be expected from the backyard of our own NIT.

The surplus talent and creativity of our youngsters will also help the institute earn recognition even in international circles. Here, one is not making any tall assumptions.

We have seen how our young and energetic people have been migrating to other States and countries down the years to pursue specialized courses related to technology. With NIT in Manipur, it is undeniable that not only the students will benefit, but will also give a fillip to the already poor State coffers.

We can also encourage the technocrat Manipuri diasporas and those serving outside the State to share their knowledge with the budding minds by inviting them as faculty members. In short, it is a win-win situation for all.

The task before the Government now is to locate a suitable place for establishing the Institute. No doubt, an institute of national standard will require acres of land. The Governments’ decision to build the infrastructure at Kiyamgei by acquiring ‘agricultural land’ has already met stiff opposition from the public and local organizations.

The outpour against the Government’s decision to acquire ‘agricultural land’ at Kiyamgei is understandable since there are alternate places land which can be used for the said purpose. We have seen how acres of agricultural lands have been acquired by private parties to set up schools, colleges, hospitals, brick fields, factories etc.

We also know that cultivable lands in the valley is diminishing day by day due to urbanization and developmental activities. In this context, it is felt that it would be wise on the part of Government to find other locations for the institute other than cultivable lands.

The decision of the Government to locate NIT at Kiyamgei has also raised a pertinent question. The question is why all the developmental works are located in the Imphal valley and its periphery. Let us look at the proposals on papers. Cultural Complex, Sports Academy and the recently proposed State Medical College are concentrated in Imphal only.

Media reports have mentioned the CM saying that the NIT has to be established in Imphal or its surrounding from the security point of view plus its accessibility. But then, the question the public like to ask is whether security has failed to maintain law and order in the hill districts?

If this is true then what has the Government done to improve the security in the hill districts? Further, it may be suggested that law and order or accessibility should not be the question when it comes to taking up big projects such as this.

It is the bounden duty of the Government to ensure wherever the institute is set up; security should not be compromised whether it is in Imphal or the hills. Plus, as for the question of accessibility, once the Institute is established, it is logical is that it has to be easily accessible.

At this very outset, it may be humbly suggested that the Government should toy with the idea of setting up NIT in Churachandpur district. It is the biggest district headquarters among the hill districts. It is also learnt that ‘favourable responses had been received from Churachandpur for setting up the institute as per Chief Minister’s version in the media.

Churachandpur, as we know, is easily accessible from Imphal with its double lane road right from Imphal to its district headquarter without any twists or turns. It is about 60 kilometers and takes about one and half hours only from Imphal.

Further, there are many hillocks which are not cultivable. Therefore, it would be wise on the part of the Government to set up the institute at Churachandpur. It can also help in assuring the hill people that the Government does not concentrate its entire development works in Imphal valley only.

Above all, the setting of infrastructure at Churachandpur will give a new face-lift to the town and can accelerate developmental works in the district headquarters. To cut the long story short, the Chief Minister may kindly see the feasibility and the logic behind setting up the institute at Churachandpur and leave the rest to the people of the district.