Odisha government signed MOU with Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal Trust to set up a university with an investment of Rs 300 crore

Bhubaneswar:4/12/23: To promote qualitative higher education and research, the Odisha government today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal Trust (SVKM) to set up a university with an investment of Rs 300 crore.

SVKM will establish a world-class educational campus in Bhubaneswar namely NMIMS University at Info-Valley, Khordha.This MoU was signed today in the presence of Higher Education Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena, Development Commissioner Anu Garg and other dignitaries in a programme held at Lok Seva Bhawan.

On behalf of the Higher Education Department, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Aravind Agrawal and from SVKM Trust Honourary Secretary Dr. Jayant Gandhi signed the MoU.

The Odisha government has allocated 40 acres of land on lease in Goudakashipur, Jatni, for the establishment of this University free of cost and free registration for an initial period of 30 years, extendable for another 30 years and free from annual maintenance charges of IDCO.

The Higher Education Minister said that signing of MoU with SVKM is a significant milestone for the state, especially for Higher Education Department.

This partnership embodies the government’s dedication to elevating education, fostering growth, and nurturing a brighter future for all, he said.

This collaboration between Government of Odisha and SVKM represents a transformative initiative in expanding educational horizons within the state by establishing a world class educational campus near the temple city of Odisha catering to diverse academic needs, aligning with Odisha’s commitment to elevating the quality of higher education.

The outlined terms illustrate a path towards educational excellence – from being a learning resource centre fostering global engagement to admission opportunities for 30% seats for Odisha domicile students based on merit.

“This collaboration isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about nurturing a culture of learning and innovation. The responsibility shared in bearing expenses underscores our joint commitment to fostering an environment conducive to growth and knowledge dissemination,” the minister said.

“By aligning with SVKM, we’re sowing the seeds for a world-class educational hub, bolstering Odisha’s stature in higher education. Together, we’re not just establishing a campus; we’re shaping destinies and contributing to the holistic development of our region”, he added.

Honourary Secretary, Dr. Gadhi complemented Odisha for giving opportunity for establishing this University.

“We are going to set up an international standard educational campus which will impart quality education for the students,” Dr. Gandhi said.

The campus will encompass educational facilities from Kindergarten (KG) to Postgraduate (PG) levels. The campus development and other facilities will be done in phased manner with the support from Odisha government. The cost of land shall be reimbursed to IDCO by Higher Education Department with an initial investment of Rs. 300 crore for the first phase within 5 years of land allocation. SVKM will bear expenses related to infrastructure development, repairs, renovations, landscaping, utilities, equipment, and human resources.