KBK Adivasi Central University & similar ones in other backward-n-tribal district clusters

State BJP repeated demand for IIT and Central University in Orissa

2007-10-30T00:32:00.000-07:00

The New Indian Express, Oct 30, 2007
W Orissa neglected, says BJP

BHUBANESWAR/BHAWANIPATNA: Ties between the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reached a new low on Monday with the latter alleging that the State Government is neglecting the western and southern Orissa districts where the party has a base.

Though the BJP did not hit out at the ‘Big Brother’ openly, the tone and tenor of the speeches of the grassroots level leaders at the meeting hinted that the alliance is almost over at the village and block levels.

BJP general secretary Vinay Katiyar’s directive to the State functionaries to prepare the party machinery for election in all the 147 constituencies conveyed the feeling that the party is not prepared to take things lying down any more.

Addressing a media conference, State BJP president Suresh Pujari expressed concern over the deteriorating standard of higher education in the State and demanded that vacant posts of lecturers in the backward districts should be filled up.

Criticising the State Government’s new policy of giving block grants to school and colleges, Pujari said the system of regular grants should be reintroduced. Stating that Kalahandi needed special attention in the field of road communication and education, Pujari demanded that the Western Orissa Development Council (WODC) should be made autonomous. Pujari welcomed the industrial policy of the State Government.

He, however, observed that there should be rehabilitation and the affected families be given priority in employment. The political resolution adopted at the meeting criticised the Centre for neglecting the NDA-ruled States.

Alleging that institutions of higher education, including Central university, IIT and IIM are being diverted to neighbouring States ignoring the claim of Orissa, the party demanded that such institutions should be established in the State. Pujari demanded that all the villages in the State should be included in the village electrification programme and funding for KBK scheme be increased.

KBK Varsity likely to come up soon

2007-08-14T20:27:00.000-07:00

The Pioneer, Aug 15, 2007

Pioneer News Service | Bhubaneswar
... even as campaign for it gains momentum

Even as the civil society is rooting for a KBK University at the tribal town of Malkangiri in Orissa, Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development D Purandeswari on Monday announced that the State's request for a Central University would receive due consideration.

Agami Odisha, which is spearheading the campaign for a KBK University, led a massive rally at Malkangiri on Monday to press demand for the promotion of education in the undivided districts of Koraput, Balangir and Kalahandi (KBK). Almost a coincidence, Purandeswari, replying to a question in Rajya Sabha, said that a proposal to set up 16 Central Universities, one each in the States having no Central University, is in the process of being finalised. Orissa is among the States where there is no Central University at present.

Orissa's request for establishment of a Central University in the tribals-dominated KBK region would receive due consideration, she said. Further, a Bill for setting up a Central Tribal University is in the process of being introduced in the current session of the Parliament.

The proposed university shall have power to establish its regional centres in the areas inhabited by tribal populations, which could include the KBK region of Orissa, Purandeswari added.

On Monday, the entire masses of youth, intellectuals, former bureaucrats, businessmen and other members of the civil society of Malkangiri came out openly in favour of a KBK University. Local MLA Nimai Sarkar and senior legislator of Kodinga, Sadan Naik, along with their supporters, also joined the nearly one-km-long procession, which moved for two hours before culminating at the Collector's office, where he was presented a memorandum in support of the demand. The nearest Berhampur University is 500 km away from their place.

Similar report in Tathya.in

Central Tribal Varsity Being Planned In Orissa

2007-08-13T20:21:00.000-07:00

Newspostindia, Aug 13, 2007

Thousands of tribals in Orissa's poverty ridden Kalahandi, Bolangir and Koraput (KBK) districts may soon have access to better higher education with a central university being planned there.

The human resource development (HRD) ministry Monday said it was weighing a state government proposal to set up such a university in the region.

'Orissa being one of such states (without a central university), its request for establishment of a central university in the tribal-dominated KBK region shall receive due consideration,' Minister of State for HRD D. Purandeswari said.

'Further, a bill for setting up a central tribal university is in the process of being introduced in the current session of parliament,' Purandeswari informed the Rajya Sabha.

The proposed university shall have power to establish its regional centres in areas inhabited by tribals.

The HRD ministry had earlier said there was a proposal for setting up 16 central universities in states where there was no such university.

Several PIB releases on new central universities can be found at Orissalinks

Summary of mass movement in Malkangiri for a KBK central university: by Mr Lalit Patnaik

2007-08-13T03:54:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,
On behalf of Agami Odisha, me and Dillip Sabat has been deputed to participate in the mass rally for demand of KBK university. Our President sri Dhiren Ray wished us good luck in the departing moment.
We have to travel 700 KM to reach Malkangiri from Bhubaneswar. 350 KM by Train up to Vizaynagaram, and subsequently by Bus another 225 Km through Ghat up to Jeypore and rest 125 Km through deep jungle to Malkangiri. We reached their in the early morning hours to be received by Malkangiri MLA Mr Nimai Sarkar and his associates. We proceeded to Dandakaranya Guest House and found Police in the nook and corner of Malkangiri town, the last one of Orissa before Chattishgarah. The town is Naxal infected and it needs courage to live there, for Police as well as for People.
Mr Sadan naik, MLA of Kodinga came along with his associate by 11 am and our rally started at 11.30 am from bus stand arena. I was really surprised to see the large gathering of students( Young men and women ) of not less than 1250 in number. There were around 250 Intellectuals, business men and retired old persons. The rally was led at three places, front one by Intellectuals, the middle one by the women students and the last one by Men students. the slogan of KBK University is our demand reverberated the high walls of Malkangiri Mountain and almost entire town was by the side road watching the marathon rally of nearly 1 Km long. The rally moved for 2 hours and culminated at Collector's Office. Collector rushed to his office from a meeting some where else so as to receive our Memorandum to the President of India. Even after handing over of memorandum, the students were in no mood to disperse but went on giving slogans for their right to have a
University around KBK. The people were aghast since long, because the nearest University of Berhampur is 500 Km away from their place.
Sincerity of their demand was well visible from the eyes of those boys as well as girl students. After wards, the president of their college walked close to me and expressed his thanks to Agamee odisha for taking up their cause. In return I assured him to carry their message to the Swabhimani odiya all over the world, to support in their endeavor to get an Central funded University at KBK.
They are struggling for their right to higher education, amidst the chaos of Naxalisim. They are not demanding their land to be annexed to Chattisgarah, a very close by State, nor are they demanding for more food or money but are only asking for a Central University, which we all should fight and get it for them, is not it. Are they not real swabhimani Odiya's ?.

While staying 700 Km away from the capital, they are reciting the song of Mother Odiya, day in and day out.

I salute them.

Yours,
Lalit Pattnaik

Other News coverage: Orissalink

TOI: Special plan envisages setting up of 30 Central Universities

2007-08-02T01:25:00.000-07:00

Times of India, Aug 2, 2007

NEW DELHI: In a major rollout for high and technical education, Planning Commission has proposed a seven-year special plan (2007-14) which includes setting up eight new IITs, seven new IIMs, 20 NITs, 20 IIITs and 50 centres for training and research in frontier areas.

Of the IITs, three have already been cleared and one IIM at Shillong has received the green signal. The seven-year special plan for higher and technical education would start in the 11th Plan and spill over to the next without being diluted. The plan panel has proposed a funding of Rs 1.31 lakh crore for the seven year plan.

The full Planning Commission will discuss the proposal threadbare when it meets on August 6 to deliberate exclusively on the impetus that should be delivered to education for the 11th Plan.

The special plan envisages setting up of 30 central universities. One central university will be located in each of the 16 uncovered states while 14 new ones of world class will come up in states which provide land free of cost in attractive locations.

These universities will have various schools including medical and engineering institutions. Also, 370 new degree colleges in districts with low gross enrolment ratio would be established and 6,000 colleges would be strengthened.
In the field of technical education, the seven-year plan talks of expansion and upgradation of 200 technical institutions in various states. There is also a plan to upgrade seven technical universities which include Bengal Engineering College, Howrah, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Andhra University Engineering College, Vishakapatnam, University Engineering College, Osmania University, Jadavpur University, Institute of Technology BHU and Zakir Husain College of Engineering & Technology, AMU.

Apart from eight IITs and seven IIMs, there is a plan to have five Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research, two Schools of Planning and Architecture, 20 National Institutes of Technology, 20 Indian Institutes of Information Technology and 50 centres of training and research in frontier areas.

The central assistance under the special plan has a very strong reform component and looks up to states to agree for a minimum set of reforms to restructure higher education system covering admission, revision in curricula, collaboration with foreign universities and networking.

Demand for KBK central varsity gains momentum: The Pioneer

2007-07-31T19:14:00.000-07:00

The Pioneer, Aug 1, 2007
Pioneer News Service | Bhubaneswar

All KBK districts are echoing with the demand for a Central University in the region, thanks to the initiative of the intelligentsia in the area. For the last one-week, concerned citizens of the KBK districts have been meeting at different forums raising the demand. Meetings were organised at Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Jeypore, Koraput and Sunabeda, which culminated at a workshop in Koraput on Sunday.

People's representatives, intellectuals and a number of other leading citizens assembled at Koraput to chalk out the future plan. A well-documented presentation of Chitta Baral, professor of Arizona State University was discussed at length over the status of educational standards of the KBK districts vis-à-vis other parts of the State. Organisers like Umi Daniel and Saroj Padhi presented the research document.

Baral, sitting thousands miles away, was able to make an impact on the minds of all the 50 participants at the workshop. Agriculturist Bibhu Mohanty of Jeypore, who improvised Kala Jira Rice in Kalahandi on behalf of the Swaminathan group, highly appreciated the detailed study done by Baral.

Lalit M Patnaik of Agamee Odisha harped on the improvement of the poor standards of higher education in the State.

The meeting decided that crying over the poverty index is bringing shame to the State. So, the Infrastructure of progress should be referred to rather than the poverty index, which in itself is misleading about the progress of the State.

By taking seven sub-sectors of the infrastructure such as transport, energy, irrigation, banking, communication, education and health, one can really compute the composite development index of infrastructure for different districts of the State, said speakers.

Roar for KBK Central Univ: Tathya

2007-07-31T19:12:00.000-07:00

Tatyha.in, July 30, 2007

Koraput:30/July/2007
Entire KBK districts are echoing with the demand for a Central University, thanks to the initiative of the intelligentsia of the area.

For last one week, concerned citizens of the KBK districts have been meeting at different forums, while raising their demand for a Central University.

Meetings were organized at Malkangiri, Nawrangpur, Jey pore, Koraput, Sunabeda, which culminated at Koraput on July 29.

The people’s representatives,intectuals and a number of leaders assembled here to chalk out the future plan.

A well documented presentation of Professor Chitta Baral of Arizona State University was discussed at length over the status of educational standard of the KBK districts vis-à-vis other parts of the state.

The organizers like Umi Daniel and Saroj Padhi presented the thorough researched document in a lucid manner, which has a long lasting impression on the participants of the workshop.

Prof.Baral sitting thousands miles away was able to make an impact on the minds of all the 50 participants, those who attended the meeting.

Agriculturist Bibhu Mohanty of Jeypore, who improvised "Kala Jira Rice" at Kalahandi on behalf of Swaminathan group, highly appreciated the detailed study done by Prof. Baral.

Lalit M Patnaik of Agamee Odisha harped on the improvement of the poor standards of higher education in the state.

Mr.Patnaik said that “they are not alone rather a large group of intellectuals inside the country and in abroad are behind the struggle to make Orissa the Major Destination of Higher Education”.

The meeting decided that crying over the poverty index is bringing shame to the state.

So the Infrastructure of Progress should be referred rather then the Poverty Index, which in itself is misleading about the progress of our State and it's Districts.

By taking seven sub-sectors of the infrastructure such as transport, energy, irrigation, banking, communication, education and health, we can really compute the composite development index of infrastructure for different districts of Orissa, said speakers in the meeting.

Pioneer: Demand for KBK Central varsity gains momentum

2007-07-23T19:11:00.000-07:00

July 24, 2007
Pioneer News Service | Bhubaneswar

A meeting to chalk out the future course of action on demand of a KBK Central University was held at Malkanagiri. Local MLA Nimain Sarkar was the convener at the meeting, which was presided by RK Patra, a retired bureaucrat. Over 100 persons of the district, including senior citizens, intellectuals, educationists, journalists and representatives of civil society organisations attended the meeting.

A committee, KBK Bikas Parishad, was formed after the meeting with an aim to look into the various developmental aspects of the most neglected undivided KBK districts. RK Patra was nominated as the convener of the committee while Durga Prasad Tripathy was chosen as the president.

Ratnakar Dash was nominated as the general secretary of the committee. Deputy Speaker of the Assembly Prahallad Dora and MLA Nimain Sarkar were chosen as the advisers of the committee.

The committee alleged that the Central Government cheated the people of tribal KBK districts on many occasions. While it was decided to set up a KBK Central University at Koraput, it is now mysteriously shifted to another State by the order of the Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh, the members of the committee alleged. Reiterating the demand for KBK Central University, the members warned of an intense mass movement throughout the State. However, the foundation of the movement will be laid on July 29 at Koraput meeting, which is going to be organised by Agami Orissa.

Meeting at Koraput on KBK Central University on 29th July: A message from Lalit Babu

2007-07-19T18:39:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,
As per Agami Odisha's action plan decided in the State level meeting on 8th July at Jayadev Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, to-day a meeting was held under the presidentship of sri DK Ray and that the KBK meeting has been scheduled on 29th July ( Sunday). The meeting will be organised at Koraput by our member Shri Sury Padhi ( M-9437011402) and Mr Uma Daniel( M-9437045008) . All are requested to co-operate and participate in the meeting.
People supporting our demand for KBK Central University are requested to assemble in the foothill of Lord Jagannath Temple , Koraput at 11 am on 29th July'07. Undersigned, Dr Santosh Tripathy our General Secy, Miss Satybhama Rath, Mrs Swgata Pattnaik and Mr Dillip Sabat will leave on 28th July'07. Any body interested to leave from bbsr may inform undersigned.

Thanking you,

Lalit Pattnaik,
Working President Agami Odisha

Lalit Pattnaik
(M)-9338232298

National tribal varsity branch soon in Jharkhand

2007-06-24T23:13:00.000-07:00

Jharkhand will soon house the Eastern India branch of national tribal university, chirstened Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU).

The committee of University Grant Commission (UGC) that has been asked to set up the IGNTU is looking for about 1,000 acres of land in Jharkhand for the purpose. The varsity, which will have its headquarters at Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh, will offer array of courses to students from across the country.

Dr Ram Dayal Munda, a member of the UGC committee, has been asked to look for land in Jharkhand, possibly in or around the State Capital. "The chairperson of the committee, Jose Verghese, has asked me to find a suitable piece of land here to house the IGNTU branch," Dr Munda told mediapersons.

Pioneer: Naveen shoots off letter to PM over central varsity in KBK

2007-06-19T18:28:00.001-07:00

Naveen shoots off letter to PM over central varsity in KBK

Pioneer News Service \| Bhubaneswar
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday once again stood up against the Centre's continuous apathetic attitude towards the State and shot off a letter to Prime Minister Monmohan Singh on Tuesday over the Centre's decision not to set up a central university for tribals of KBK region.

It may be noted that the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government has decided to set up a central university for tribals in Madhya Pradesh

In his letter, Patnaik stated that recent newspaper reports indicated that the Centre had already approved establishment of a Tribal University in Amarkantak, Madya Pradesh but it seemed, Orissa, which deserves establishment of such a central University, had been overlooked. "Orissa's claim for establishment of a central University in the tribal-dominated KBK area of the State may please be given a favorable consideration," Patnaik stated in his letter. He further said that 38 per cent of the total population belonged to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, out of which the Scheduled Tribes population alone was about 22 per cent. Considering the concern for improving the quality of lives of SC and ST tribes, Patnaik said he had already taken up the issue of setting up a Central varsity in KBK with the Ministry of Human Resource Development so that poor meritorious students belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes would have access to research facilities and training courses available in Central universities. And this is the logic based on which the Government has opened Central universities in the north-eastern States.

He further said it was needless to reiterate that Orissa had not only got high concentration of SC and ST population but about 48 per cent of the people were estimated to be living below the poverty line. As a result of this, meritorious students of Orissa were finding it difficult to study in advanced universities due to their poor financial condition.

Statesman: Naveen’s missive on varsity in KBK region

2007-06-19T18:27:00.001-07:00

Naveen’s missive on varsity in KBK region

Statesman News Service
BHUBANESWAR, June 19: Chief minister Mr Naveen Patnaik today sent a letter to the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, demanding the establishment of a Central university in the KBK (Koraput-Bolangir-Kalahandi) region.

The letter comes in the wake of the proposed Bill of the Central government to set up Central varsities across the country and reports that HRD minister Mr Arjun Singh had proposed to institute one such varsity for tribals in Madhya Pradesh.

Mr Patnaik, who had described MP getting precedence over Orissa as yet another instance of Central neglect towards the state, today said that 38 per cent population of the state belonged to Schedule Cast (SC) and Schedule Tribe (ST), including 22 per cent ST.

Moreover, about 48 per cent of people in Orissa live below poverty line. So a Central University in KBK region will help the SC/STs and other poor/meritorious students of the region to have higher education and research. This will bring qualitative development in their standard of living, he contended.

The CM referred to his discussions with the HRD minister last month and regretted that a genuine demand of Orissa had been ignored.
He hoped that the Prime Minister will take necessary steps to meet the genuine demands of people of Orissa.

New Indian Express: Orissa feels rejected once again

2007-06-19T18:25:00.000-07:00

Orissa feels rejected once again
Wednesday June 20 2007 00:00 IST

BHUBANESWAR: Denial of a central university to the State by the Union Human Resources Development (HRD) Ministry has come as yet another instance of step-motherly attitude of the Centre towards Orissa.

The university will now be established at Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh, the home state of union HRD Minister Arjun Singh. The demand is pending since 1991 when the then Chief Minister Biju Patnaik had moved the Centre for upgradation of the Utkal University to a central university.

Naveen Patnaik raised the issue again after taking over as the Chief Minister in 2000. However, neither the previous NDA government nor the present UPA government considered the demand favourably.

The latest announcement by the Centre has come as a shock for the people of Orissa. The shifting of the central university to Madhya Pradesh has come after the State was deprived by the Centre from having the National Institute of Science (NIS) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).

Describing this as another glaring instance of central neglect towards the State, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik told newspersons that his government would fight for establishment of the university in Orissa. Besides, the BJD would also organise state wide demonstration on the issue.

Underscoring the need for setting up the central university in KBK region, the Chief Minister said in a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that this would immensely benefit the scheduled caste, scheduled tribe and families below the poverty line who are a majority.

Statesman: CM demands varsity in KBK region

2007-06-18T15:41:00.000-07:00

CM demands varsity in KBK region

Statesman News Service
BHUBANESWAR, June 18: Reacting to reports that the United Progressive Alliance government had decided to set up a central university for tribals in Madhya Pradesh, chief minister Mr Naveen Patnaik said Orissa’s demanded one such varsity in the KBK region had been ignored by the centre. Giving his reactions to the visual media here, Mr Patnaik said it was yet another instance of central neglect. He said he would take up the matter with the UPA government.

Fax campaign against repeated injustice by MHRD

2007-06-17T19:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers:

I hope many of you are enraged and disgusted by this repeated injustice meted out to Orissa by the MHRD; especially now it seems that the MHRD has orchestrated hijacking of a good, sensible and extremely relevant idea proposed by our chief minister: the idea of tribal central university in the KBK region with the goal of catering to the 50% tribal population in that area and 38% tribal population across Orissa.

Often many have blamed the Orissa government for not taking timely initiatives or not coming up with innovative ideas, but this time it took the initiative, it suggested a great idea, followed up on it regularly, but the end result is same; the idea gets implemented in the home state of the minister of HRD Mr. Arjun Singh.

We must convey our displeasure, disgust, deep disappointment and anger to the central government. Please fax a letter to the PMO (fax numbers: 011-2301-8668, 2301-5470, 2301-5603, 2301-8939 ) and also fax a copy of that letter to the CMO (0674-2400100 ) and Mr. Chandrasekhar Sahu (011-23061695), the sole central minister from Orissa. After that we must follow-up with the CMO (cmo@ori.nic.in) by email and Mr. Sahu by phone (Personal Secy: 09868501233 off: 011-23792469, 23792470) and tell them to take our faxes and meet the PM and the national press with all our faxes and do a dharana until the two immediate injustices of moving an IIT in Orissa after it was announced and stealing the idea of a tribal university proposed for the KBK area are corrected. Following are some pointers and points which may help in writing your letter. I am making it short so that its easier for you to draft the letter.
On KBK Tribal Central University:

We have been keeping track of this in a blog of its own, http://kbkcentral.blogspot.com, since the idea was first formally mooted in October 2005. See also the earlier postings in this site under that category.
Oct 24 2005: The CM meets the HRD minister Mr. Arjun Singh and proposes the idea of a KBK Central University and Mr. Singh appreciates the idea. Following is an excerpt of a press release that discusses it.

… In addition to this, Shri Patnaik also requested for establishment of a Central University for the KBK Region, which is one of the most backward regions in the country. He pointed out that there was a heavy concentration of the scheduled tribe and scheduled caste population in this region, which has a literacy rate below 50%. Shri Patnaik stated that setting up a Central University in the KBK region would go a long way in encouraging higher education among tribal population. He added that the university could also set up specialized centres for tribal development related studies, as tribal development was one of the biggest challenges facing the country today. Shri. Arjun Singh appreciated the rationale of having a Central University in the KBK region and sought a formal proposal in this regard from the State Government. He assured that this would receive high priority whenever the Central Government considers setting up of new central universities.

Since then the Orissa government and the representatives of Orissa have brought up this issue many many times.

The MPs brought it up in Rajya Sabha on December 19 2005. (See page 2 right column)
See http://kbkcentral.blogspot.com/ for the numerous times this have been brought up by the CM, by other ministers from Orissa, etc.

A detailed proposal was sent by the Orissa government as well as by us.
Here is our proposal. (word, pdf) This document has lots of detailed statistics in case you may want to use some of it in your letter.
Hundred of us also sent letters about it to the PM, planning commission, etc. (word) This letter also has lots of detailed statistics in case you may want to use some of it in your letter.
The Hindu first reported on the plan for the tribal university in Madhya Pradesh. Following is an excerpt from it. One may compare this excerpt with the Orissa government press release on Oct 24 2005 and it becomes clear that the idea proposed by our CM was stolen.

… The Indira Gandhi National Tribal University will encourage studies on tribal art, culture and traditions, forests and natural resources. Tribal students will be given priority in admission. … The D. Swaminadhan Committee, set up by the University Grants Commission, recommended the setting up of a varsity exclusively for promoting tribal culture and providing tribals access to higher education.

On an IIT in Orissa:

This is also a good opportunity, we must remind the PM regarding the IIT for Orissa being announced and then getting shifted. Following are some pointers on that.

A green field IIT in Orissa and a branch campus of IIT Kharagpur in Bhubaneswar had been decided in MHRD, so much so that On August 28th 2006, Union minister of state for Human Resources and Development Mr. M. Fatmi said the following Patna. (This was reported in Times of India on Aug 29th 2006, and available for everyone to see at
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1933613.cms and http://iitorissa.googlepages.com/PUmayfinallygetCentralvarsitystatus-.pdf )

Mr. Arjun Singh himslef had also given word to the CM regarding a branch campus of IIT Kharagpur in Bhubaneswar. His meeting with the CM had been reported on September 29 2006 as follows: The Chief Minister, Orissa, Shri Naveen Patnaik met the Union Minister for Human Resources development, Shri Arjun Singh today to discuss about the establishment of a campus of IIT, Kharagpur in Orissa. Shri Patnaik stated that the Government of Orissa have offered 300 acres of land next to Bhubaneswar city for setting up the campus and the State Government is fully committed to provide all necessary assistance for the institution. Since Orissa is fast emerging as a hub for industrial activities, an institution of the stature of IIT will provide the much needed boost to the efforts of the Government in providing support to these industries. The Union Minister, Shri Arjun Singh stated that the Central Government is positively inclined for setting up such an institution soon.
More points.

References:

Dharitri: Hopes dashed on KBK Central University

2007-06-17T19:07:00.000-07:00

Pioneer: Arjun hijacks plans for KBK varsity

2007-06-16T13:47:00.000-07:00

Arjun hijacks plans for KBK varsity

Braja Kishore Mishra \| Bhubaneswar
... Union Cabinet gives nod for setting up institution in MP Union Minister for Human Resources and Development Arjun Singh has once again humiliated Orissa by hijacking its original plan to set up a Central Tribal University in the KBK region comprising the State's undivided districts of Koaraput, Balangir and Kalahandi.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, while meeting the Minister October 2005 (*typo corrcted*), had mooted the idea of setting up a KBK central university. It was based on the theory of empowerment of tribals with higher education.

Patnaik had pleaded with the Central authorities that the concentration of tribals is the highest in KBK and their uplift hinged on education. He had pointed out that the literacy rate among the people of this region was much below 50 per cent.

He had argued that setting up a Central University in the region would go a long way in encouraging higher education among the tribal population. The university could also set up specialised centres for tribal development-related studies, as tribal development is one of the biggest challenges facing the country today.

While Arjun Singh had promised Patnaik in clear terms that his HRD Ministry would positively consider the proposal, the result is now otherwise. The Union Cabinet on Friday gave its approval for establishment of the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University at Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh with Central Government funding.

It also approved introduction of the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University Bill, 2007 in Parliament. This will ensure establishment of a teaching and affiliating university for facilitating and promoting avenues of higher education and research facilities for the tribal population of the country.

Apart from affiliating the colleges, the university has the power to establish such number of its own regional centres in tribal areas as it may deem fit.

There will be at least one school in every regional centre to serve as a model school for the schools of the region, wherefrom the tribal students would be expected to join the local colleges, the off-campuses or the university. The objectives of the university include promoting studies and research in tribal art, culture, tradition, language, custom, medicinal systems, forest based economic activities, including special studies in the flora and fauna, and advancements in technologies relating to natural resources of the tribal areas.

Now, it is abundantly clear that Singh not only hijacked Patnaik's idea but also saw to it that Orissa would never get a Central University in the KBK region on the lines of huge tribal concentration. Since the UPA is at the helm of affairs at the Centre, Singh is playing havoc with Orissa and the State is losing one after another national institutions to other States. While Minister of State of HRD MA Fatmi had announced a proposal to set up an IIT in Orissa, it was later shifted to Andhra Pradesh by Singh, on political considerations, said sources.

Tathyain: Arjun highjack Naveen plan

2007-06-16T13:45:00.000-07:00

Arjun highjack Naveen plan

New Delhi:15/June/2007
Arjun Singh has once again humiliated Orissa and high jacked its original plan to set up a Central Tribal University in KBK.

Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik while meeting the Union Human Resource Development Minister during October, 2005 (*typo corrected*) has gave this idea to set up KBK Central University.

It was based on the theory on Tribal Empowerment with higher education.

Naveen at that point of time pleaded with central authorities that as the concentration of tribals are much more in KBK and their upliftment hinges on education.

He pointed out that there was a heavy concentration of the scheduled tribe and scheduled caste population in this region, which has a literacy rate below 50 per cent.

Mr. Patnaik stated that setting up a Central University in the KBK region would go a long way in encouraging higher education among tribal population.

The university could also set up specialized centers for tribal development related studies, as tribal development was one of the biggest challenges facing the country today.

So a Tribal University in the area will serve a great purpose for the most backward region of the country, pleaded Mr.Patnaik at that point of time.

While Mr.Singh promised Mr.Patnaik in clear terms that HRD Ministry will positively consider the proposal but result was otherwise.

The Union Cabinet on June 15 gave its approval for establishment of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh with Central Government funding.

It also approved introduction of the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University Bill, 2007 in the Parliament.

This would ensure establishment of a teaching and affiliating University for facilitating and promoting avenues of higher education and research facilities for the tribal population of the country.

The objects of the University include inter-alia, promoting studies and research in tribal art, culture, tradition, language, custom, medicinal systems, forest based economic activities, including special studies in the flora and fauna, and advancements in technologies relating to natural resources of the tribal areas.

Apart from affiliating the colleges, the University has the power to establish such number of its own regional centers in tribal areas as the University may deem fit.

There will be at least one school in every regional Centre, to serve as a model school for the schools of the region, wherefrom the tribal students would be expected to join the local colleges, the off-campuses or the University.

Now this is abundantly clear that Mr.Singh not only highjack the idea but also saw to it Orissa will never get a Central University in KBK region on the lines of huge tribal concentration.

Since UPA is at the helm of the Centre, Mr.Singh is playing havoc on Orissa and the state is losing one after another national institutions to the Congress ruled states.

While M A Fatmi, Minister of State in HRD Ministry announced of an IIT in Orissa, which was shifted to Andhra Pradesh by Mr.Singh on political reasons, said sources.

Pramila Bahidar raises KBK Central University issue in Rajya Sabha: Janamukha

2007-05-28T22:17:00.000-07:00

Janamukha, May 28, 2007

CM takes up Central varsity for KBK plea with Arjun

2007-05-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

CM takes up IIT plea with Arjun

Statesman News Service
BHUBANESWAR, May 15: Taking up the issue of establishment of an IIT in Orissa with Union HRD minister Mr Arjun Singh in New Delhi today, chief minister Mr Naveen Patnaik justified the demand pointing out that the state did not have a single institution of national excellence.
Mr Singh is said to have informed the CM that the matter would be considered while finalising proposals of his ministry for the 11th Plan.
Mr Patnaik also put forth demands for a Central varsity for KBK region and an IIM. At his meeting with Union minister for chemicals and fertilisers Mr Ram Vilas Paswan today, the CM urged for early revival of the FCI plant at Talcher. Congratulating Mr Paswan for his decision to revive the closed fertiliser units under the Central government, including the one located at Talcher, Mr Patnaik wanted the Talcher to be taken up in the first phase.
Mr Paswan said the Centre was fully committed to reviving the Talcher plant and necessary advertisement in this regard will be issued shortly.
The chief minister also discussed the proposed petroleum chemicals and petrochemicals investment region (PCPIR) in Paradip and assured the Union minister that the state government would take all necessary steps to expedite the ground work relating to the PCPIR at Paradeep.

Chandrasekhar Sahu meets PM and mentions KBK Central University

2007-05-13T01:18:00.000-07:00

State urges Centre for a central tribal university: The New Indian Express

2007-04-12T04:12:00.001-07:00

BHUBANESWAR: Higher Education Minister Samir Dey has urged the Centre to approve the State Government's proposal for establishment of a central tribal university in the KBK region.

Addressing a meeting of education ministers in New Delhi on Wednesday, Dey said the proposed central university will immensely benefit the deprived and backward pockets of Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh having large concentration of tribal population.

Reiterating the State's demand for establishment of an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), the Minister said the vibrant growth in the industrial and technical sectors in Orissa provides enormous potential for industry- institution linkage.

An IIT will facilitate the process which is of critical importance to make the industry globally competitive.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has already requested Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for upgrading the extension counter of IIT Kharagpur into a full-fledged campus, the Minister reminded and added the State Government has already provided 300 acres of cost-free land for the project.

He also demanded that the NISER set up by the Department of Atomic Energy be upgraded to the rank of IISc, Bangalore.

There is a great need of opening courses in oceanography and marine engineering in colleges and universities considering the long coastline of the State.

The few institutes that are offering such courses are facing financial constraint for infrastructure development and curricula upgrade. Financial assistance from the Centre is needed for opening such courses in more colleges and universities, he added.

Although a National Law University was originally planned to be established in the State, this was shifted to West Bengal after the UPA Government assumed power.

The State Government is going to introduce a Bill in the next session of the Assembly for setting up of a National Law University for which it needs substantial financial help from the Centre, he said.

Underlining the measures taken by the State Government to improve the standard of higher education despite resource constraints, Dey strongly pleaded for generous central assistance.

The UGC should take up accreditation of colleges in the State by the National Accreditation and Assessment Council (NACC) on a priority basis and provide infrastructure support to them, he said.

Dey demanded central assistance for establishment of an Academic Staff College for the teachers at the Plus Two level.
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Higer Education Minister of Orissa repeats the demand of a KBK Central University in the state: Samaja

2007-04-12T01:40:00.000-07:00

Higher Education Minister of Orissa Mr Sameer Dey demanded a KBK central university in Orissa during his meeting with HRD minister.
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Orissa Education Minister demands IIT and KBK Univ

2007-04-11T19:11:00.000-07:00

Tathya, New Delhi:11/April/2007

With Orissa reiterating its demand for an IIT and a central university (CU) in KBK region, the conference of the education ministers held here on April 11 has endorsed a proposal to upgrade a state university to that of a central one.

So now the chances of having a central university with UGC funding in Orissa looks bright with the today’s endorsement.

Presenting the case of Orissa, Samir Dey, the Higher Education minister said that there is a long standing demand for establishment of a central university in the KBK region of the state considering the tribal concentration.

He said chief minister Naveen Patnaik has time and again demanded the same, which will benefit the states like Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Chhstisgarh.

Raising the issue of IIT, Samir said that with the vibrant growth in industrial and technical sector in Orissa establishment of an IIT will greatly intensify the process which is of critical importance to make the industry globally competitive.

The minister repeating the state’s demand for an IIT he said that the chief minister has also requested the prime minister to upgrade the extension centre of IIT Kharagpur at Bhubaneswar, which have been turned down.

He demanded for review of the decision in upgrading the facility in Orissa.

Dey also asked the HRD ministry to upgrade the proposed NISER to an Indian Institute of Science at par with IISc, Bangalore.

Raising the issue of National Law University (NLU), Dey announced that the state government will be tabling a bill during the next session of Assembly for setting up a NLU in the state with substantial financial support.

Asking for an institution like Indian Institute of Material Science (IIMC), Dey said it will facilitate development in the industrial and mining sector.

For better administration in the college system of the state, the minister impressed upon the HRD ministry to fund the e-connectivity program, which is to be taken up in the colleges.

Delay in NAAC accreditation is a nagging problem and Dey asked HRD minister Arjun Singh to intervene in the matter.

He also asked UGC authorities to take expeditious steps to ensure NAAC visit the left out colleges.

The minister also asked for funding of the Ravenshaw University by the UGC.

Education Minister says proposal for a Central Tribal University in the state is given to the center: The Samaja

2007-03-29T23:15:00.000-07:00

Samaja in its page 2 on 30th March 2007 reports education Minister says proposal for a Central Tribal University in the state is given to the center.

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