Javadekar inaugurates IIT campus in Jammu

Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday inaugurated the Jammu campus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).

Spread over 500 acres in Nagrota area of Jammu, the inauguration of the IIT campus comes as the fulfilment of a long pending demand of the people in Jammu and Kashmir.

"IIT Jammu will transform the region into an educational hub. It will become the flag bearer of the intellectual capacity of the country in Jammu and Kashmir," Javadekar said while congratulating those students who have made it to IIT Jammu through fierce competition and hard work.

"You are the privileged ones who will foster the ambitious 'Make in India' programme," the minister said.

He said the government was contemplating starting an IIT power programme for providing free coaching and guidance to the aspiring IIT students which shall help students in fulfilling their dream of entering these premier institutes.

"The focus of the government is on quality education and all stakeholders shall partner in this endeavour to take the country to the zenith of technical and academic brilliance," he said.

He announced Rs 100 crore for setting up research infrastructure in the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in summer capital Srinagar.

Jitendra Singh, MOS (PMO), was also present during the inauguration.

"Opening of premier institute like IIT marks a new chapter in the development of the state and a step towards realisation of the vision to promote Jammu and Kashmir as an education hub," Jitendra Singh said.

He said to contribute towards the technological advancement of the country students at the IIT need an environment free of any disturbance.

--IANS

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