Odisha urges centre to set up NINEI early

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce early the setting up of the National Institute of New Energy and Innovations (NINEI) at Bhubaneswar.

In a letter to the prime minister, Patnaik also requested allocation of funds to kick-start the related construction activities at the earliest.

He said the state government has taken expeditious steps to allot around 80 acres of land for the NINEI near the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bhubaneswar.

"I am delighted to learn that the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has proposed to establish the National Institute of New Energy and Innovations at Bhubaneswar near IIT.

"I commend this initiative of yours and Odisha stands committed to extend all required support like allocation of land free of cost and other support that may be required to establish such an Institute of national repute," said the chief minister.

He said the state government has taken several initiatives, keeping in tune with the national development goals, to promote the renewable energy sector in the state.