Centre seeks clarification from Odisha Govt on IIM proposal

The Centre today sought to know from the Odisha government about the facilities available for setting up of an IIM in Sambalpur.
In a letter to the state government, the Centre asked four questions seeking clarification before giving permission to locate the IIM-Odisha at Sambalpur and also asked the state government to ensure that its officials remain present at a meeting scheduled on June 5 in New Delhi on the issue.
The queries to the state included details of infrastructure facilities available at Sambalpur, iconic business houses operating from Sambalpur, industries located near the proposed IIM venue and economic activities in and around Sambalpur.

The Ministry of Human Resources Development (HRD) also wanted to know whether employment opportunities were there for the spouses of family members and staff.
"Our secretary will present the case and clarify all queries made by the HRD Ministry," said Sanjay Dasburma, minister of state for employment, technical education and training.
Dasburma said the state government has selected two sites at Sambalpur for the IIM.

In January this year, a central site selection committee headed by Amarjeet Sinha, Additional Secretary of the HRD ministry, had visited two sites initially proposed by the state government in and around Bhubaneswar for establishment of IIM.

However, the state government later changed its stand and further wrote to the HRD Ministry requesting to locate the proposed IIM at Sambalpur.
Meanwhile, the people of Berhampur in south Odisha and Balasore in north of the state have also launched agitations demanding IIM at the two locations.