Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 09, 2009:
Aimed at facilitating academic excellence of the tribal community, the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh today inaugurated a regional Campus of the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) at Tribal Research Institute in Adimjati premises.
|
To be known as IGNTU, Regional Campus the varsity exclusive meant for tribal scholars to pursue higher learning will be finally based at Makhan village of Sadar Hills where a specific site for the varsity had already been selected.
It is informed that owing to time constraints the INGTU centre is being enclosed to the Tribal Research Institute premises as the scheme falls under the UPA Government's 100 days programme.
Inspite of the original plan to set up the tribal varsity at a 300 acre land the State Government intends to develop the centre for higher learning on a much larger scale for which the site is expected for expansion to nearly 500 acres.
Significantly, study on political Science subject would be facilitated in the first instance from the 2009-10 academic session.
In his address as the chief guest, the Chief Minister called upon the people to extend cooperation in the SPF Government's endeavour to develop/promote the INGTU Regional Campus as a revered institution.
Conceding that he never ever imagined that a university exclusively for the tribal students would materialise, Ibobi described as blessing in disguise when Manipur University was upgraded to a Central university.
Elucidating that neither the Prime Minister nor the Union human Resource Development Minister approved State Government's proposal to increase reservation quota for tribals in MU where only 7 percent was allowed after becoming a Central varsity, he said persistence to Central authorities to either accommodate more tribal students above the quota limitation or to sanction a tribal university resulted in the opening of the IGNTU campus.
As the institute was supposed to be launched within September 15 as envisioned in the 100 days programme specification of the UPA Government, Regional Campus has been formally established today, the CM clarified.
Stating that hectic site selection exercise had begun some 20 days, the CM said there had been numerous proposals to donate land for the university which were rejected as the Government narrowed down the choice to Makhan village in view of the necessity to establish the institute at easily accessible location.
He also informed that inspite of the 300 acre site at Makhan village suited for establishing the university at the present juncture the SPF Government has to take into account inevitability of future expansion of the centre for which process is already underway to acquire 200 acres more than the original plan.
Affirming that maximum efforts are being made to achieve the goal of making every citizen literate and provide requisite infrastructure, he maintained that SPF Government is committed to achieving the objective of free and compulsory education of children from 5 to 14 years.
Exuding confidence of getting a fair amount when the 13th Finance Commission comes into effect in October this year, he confided that the Govt will give priority to development on education, health and home departments.
Speaking as the guest of honour of the IGNTU regional campus launch programme, Power Minister Phungzathang Tonsing proclaimed that opening of the institute today is a significant achievement of the Government.
Urging all concerned to cooperate and strive for the future development of the institute, the Minister strongly emphasised in ensuring that the institute is not transformed to a centre of agitation.
Delivering the presidential address, Education Minister L Jayantakumar observed that when there is no disparity in the education sector in both the hills or valley there would be sanity and unity in the society.
Ministers of Work K Ranjit, and Tribal Development DD Thaisii, Manipur University's Vice Chancellor Prof C Amuba; MLAs Dr Ratankumar, Doukhomang, Meghachandra, Prithiviraj, K Raina, Morung Makunga, M Thoirii, K Panmei; and former Minister Francis Ngajokpa graced the occasion as the guests of honour.
Comment
