Odisha to be recognized as hub of world class institutes: Naveen Patnaik

CM Naveen Patnaik on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Bhubaneswar at Gothapatna on the outskirts of the city.

"My government has a vision of making Orissa a sanctuary of world class institutes of both learning and research. A number of engineering colleges, business schools, medical institutes, law schools and universities of national and international repute are operational in different parts of Orissa. The state government has adopted a two-pronged strategy to position Orissa as a favoured destination for higher education in our country," Naveen said.

Stating that Orissa was fast emerging as an educational hub, the CM said: "We are tirelessly requesting the central government to get a fair share of centrally-funded institutes. On this front, we have succeeded in bringing NISER, IIT, Central University and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to Orissa. The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) is coming soon. We have also taken up with the Union government for establishment of an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Orissa."

“We have also taken up with the Government of India for establishment of an Indian Institute of Management in Orissa. On the other hand, my government is also investing its own resources to create Institutes of excellence such as IIIT Bhubaneswar, National Law University Orissa and Entrepreneurship Development Institute to ensure balanced development in all sectors,” the chief minister informed.

The state government, he added, is also investing its own resources to create institutes of excellence such as IIIT-Bhubaneswar, National Law University Orissa and Entrepreneurship Development Institute to "ensure balanced development in all sectors". "We have other centres of excellence like the Institute of Mathematics and Applications. I am happy to see Orissa emerging as a hub of educational excellence," he said.

“We have already committed to provide Rs.50.00 crore to build up world class infrastructure and facilities here. Our Government has allotted 23 acres of land to build this campu," the CM said, adding, "The IIIT-Bhubaneswar should play a constructive role in evolving a positive IT environment. The institute must provide world class environment and hopefully produce talent comparable to the best in our country. I expect IIIT-Bhubaneswar will strive for excellence in all the spheres of activity it pursues."

Director, IIIT-Bhubaneswar, Gopal Nayak said the institute had sought an additional 17 acres of land for meeting residential requirements. He also informed that efforts were on get assistance from the Central government as well as the industry.