Land marked for Sports Varsity : CM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 24 2016: The State Government has not only provided land measuring 336.96 acres but also issued land patta to the Union Sports Ministry for setting up of National Sports University at Yaithibi Khunou in Thoubal district.

However, the State Government had no role in the selection of the site for the varsity.

This was stated by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, who also holds the Youth Affairs and Sports portfolio, in the State Assembly while responding to a public interest matter raised by BJP MLA Thongam Bishwajit today.

O Ibobi said that the sports varsity is a Centre's gift to Manipur for its immense contribution towards development and promotion of sports of the country.

Soon after Union Finance Minister announced to set up the varsity in Manipur during his Union Budget 2014 speech, a Central Government team led by Union sports Secretary visited the State.

Although, land for the said project was provided by the State to the Centre free of cost, site selection was purely done by the Central team and the State Government had no role in it, the Chief Minister clarified.

The State Government has given 336.96 acres of land though the Centre demanded 250 acres, he said and added that an MoU has already been signed with the Centre in this regard.

The MoU includes return of this land to the State Government if the project is not executed, the Chief Minister said.

O Ibobi said that although the fund for the said project has already been earmarked and work order given to a Union Government public undertaking company, construction works are yet to begin.

Saying that officials of the said company had visited the varsity site two times, the Chief Minister said that the State Government had asked them to commence fencing with the assurance to provide necessary security.

The State Government has requested the authority concerned to start functioning of the varsity stating that they are ready to provide temporary office rooms for VC and Registrar at Khuman Lampak.

However, the matter is still delayed, he said.

The Chief Minister further said that it is learnt from different sources that passing of an Act by the Parliament is mandatory for setting up of a National varsity.

If required, he would go to New Delhi to press the matter to Prime Minister, O Ibobi said.

MLA Th Bishwajit said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gifted the National Sports University to Manipur to develop sports and reduce unemployment.

He questioned why construction works are not started yet although funds for the said project had already been sanctioned two years back.

The MLA also questioned why patta lands were acquired at Yaithibi Khunou spending huge amount of money for the project although people of Senjam Chirang were ready to provide 800 acres of land free of cost.

He also expressed worry that the university might be shifted to other States due to delay in the commencement of construction works.

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