No land for Central University in G’nagar

University officials have demanded 500-600 acres of land in state capital; the govt wants the varsity to come up in Himmatnagar

DILIP PATEL


The allocation of land for Central University has triggered a major controversy as the state government has apparently said there is no government land available in Gandhinagar to set up the varsity. The state government, agreed to allot 1,000 acres of land near a village in Himmatnagar. However, the central government — which has already earmarked Rs 5 crore for the project — are still seeking to set up the varsity in the state capital.

LAND NEAR HIMMATNAGAR

“WE HAVE proposed to give the central government 1,000 acres of land near Himmatnagar for the Central University. A team from the HRD ministry has also visited the place,” said Education Minister Ramanlal Vora. The ministry demanded 500-600 acres of land in Gandhinagar but the state government suggested six locations other than the state capital.
A varsity official, on condition of anonymity, said: “We have identified a plot of 100 acres in Raisan village, Gandhinagar. We are negotiating with the state government for this plot. But we need more land.” The university currently functions from a government plot in Sector 30 of Gandhinagar.

GANDHINAGAR’S AIR LINK

EXPLAINING WHY they want land in Gandhinagar, the official said, “We want the faculty and students to gain easy access to the airport in Gandhinagar.” The official claims the varsity is upbeat about clinching a deal with state government soon.

CENTRAL UNIVERSITY

THE CENTRAL University, which aims at promoting quality in higher education, offers MPhil/ PhD level courses. Estimated to be built at a cost of Rs 1,200 crore, the university came into being on March 3, 2009. It will soon offer courses in life sciences like zoology, botany, agriculture, and animal husbandry. Faculty for departments of Medicine, Health Science, Engineering and Technology and Natural Science have also been lined up.