Not resigning as Nalanda head: Amartya Sen

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen Wednesday clarified that that he was not quitting as the chancellor of the revived Nalanda University, an international centre of learning coming up in Bihar.

"I am not resigning...it never occurred to me...why should I resign? It's a complete construction allegedly by some ministry of external affairs officer...I don't know who," he told the media here on the sidelines of an event here.

Earlier, media reports had said that Sen threatened to resign after the finance ministry raised queries on the financial management of the mega revival plan that involves a massive package of Rs.2,727 crore as financial support over a 12-year period.

The university, an initiative of the Indian government and the 18 East Asia Summit (EAS) countries, is coming up around 12 km from the ruins of its ancient namesake that was a meeting ground of thousands of scholars and thinkers from across the world till the 12th century.

The central government Monday decided to provide financial assistance of Rs.27.2 billion ($440 million) to the revived Nalanda University in Bihar's Rajgir district.

The aid, to be provided over 12 years, was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.

The revival of the university will benefit 2,450 Indian and foreign students by the end of 2021-22.

The government funding would enable it to establish itself as an international institution of excellence.