State must get NRI University'

THE HINDU

April3, 2007

Staff Reporter

Pravasi trust submits memo to VS

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The trust says Kerala has the largest number of NRIs
Keralites are in the forefront of the educational sector
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Kozhikode: The United Arab Emirates-based Pravasi Bandhu Welfare Trust has urged the State Government to initiate steps to set up the proposed Non-Resident Indian/Persons of India Origin University in the State.

In a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, trust chairman K.V. Shamsudheen said that the State had the largest number of NRIs staying in various parts of the world and that the State also received highest amount of remittance from these NRIs. So the State was the ideal place to establish the proposed NRI/PIO University, he said.

The Union Cabinet on March 22 approved a policy framework for establishing a NRI/PIO university in India in a special economic zone as a deemed university under Section 3 of the UGC Act. The proposed university would be set up as an institution of excellence under the overall supervision of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs.

Mr. Shamsudheen said that Keralites were in the forefront of the educational sector. A Keralite, Vayalar Ravi, was holding the portfolio of Overseas Indian Affairs in the Union Cabinet. Mr. Ravi's support was inevitable in this regard, he said.

Mr. Shamsudheen said that the State Government should offer sufficient land and other infrastructure for the university at the earliest. It should also take a proactive stand and convene an all-party meeting to pressurise the Centre.

The project would generate a lot of employment and also help develop the State.