IIM likely to be established in Gaya
GAYA: Union finance minister Arun Jaitley in his budget speech proposed the establishment of Indian Institute of Management in Bihar. The Union govt has asked the state govt to provide 200 acres of ‘suitably placed’ land with easy access to road, rail and air transport and other infrastructural advantages.
According to sources in the education department, the government, in response to the Union government’s demand for land has short listed Magadh University (MU), having a sprawling campus, as the place most suitable for IIM. However, the final call will be made by the site selection committee which is likely to visit Gaya for spot verification.
In a letter addressed to the MU VC, HR Srinivas special secretary, department of education has sought detailed proposal for the establishment of the IIM in Magadh University premises.
Once finally approved, IIM will be the most prestigious institute to be located in the Magadh division. Though Gaya also has got a Central University, the IIM is likely to add to the academic ambience of the region.
Welcoming the move to establish IIM in Gaya, Prabuddha Nagrik Parishad convener Braj Nandan Pathak said that it is good to see the state govt look beyond Bihta for the establishment of prestigious institutes. Bihta bagged both IIT and NIT.
Once established in Gaya, IIM may prove to be more attractive for guest faculty on account of the place’s association with Buddha. Administrative Training Institute Building too is under construction in Gaya and the MU and Officer’s Training Academy have entered into collaboration for Defense Management Course.
According to Pathak, if for any reason, MU premises was not found suitable for the IIM, enough land was available in Panchanpur close to the Central University premises. The Defense Ministry has allotted 300 acres of the 800 acre stretch of land, an air strip abandoned in the post second war period to the Central University and there was no problem in allotting another 200 acres for IIM establishment, said Pathak.
The Prabuddha Nagrik Parishad reiterated the demand to make Gaya airport as the main airport of the state as it was nearly four times bigger as compared to Patna Airport and alternative location for the Patna airport was under active consideration of the Airport Authority as well as the state government. A dedicated four lane express way between Gaya and Patna and air taxi facility were feasible propositions, say sources. The Haj pilgrims are, in any case taking off from Gaya Airport.
