Global education city planned in Belgaum

Gems Education, a global organisation with a network in seven countries, has come forward to set up an 'education township' at a cost of Rs 3,600 crore at Belgaum in Karnataka.

It has submitted a proposal to the state government in this regard. Gems has set up 65 institutions in seven countries and the proposed Global Education City at Belgaum will have 18 institutions imparting education in different disciplines. It has sought the allotment of 5,000 acres land for the purpose.

The global education city will have, besides educational institutions, student village, a well-equipped hospital, library, residential quarters for teaching and non-teaching staff, golf course, shopping centre, sports and recreation complex, a university township among others. The Gems said that the establishment of township would ensure employment to 12,500 persons including 5,000 teachers and will have a turnover of Rs 900 crore per annum.

In its proposal to the state government Gems has asked for allotment of 5,000 acres of land on lease basis. "We have set aside Rs 75 crore for the land," said a spokesperson of Gems.

He said India could save $300 million of foreign exchange with the establishment of global education city, which would train 25,000 youngsters every year. It could attract more research institutions and ensure a turnover of an additional Rs 3,000 crore per annum.

The 48-year-old Gems has a team of experts with rich experience. It has conducted a survey in India about the education system.

It had explored the possibility of setting up the global city at Goa but gave up as it was difficult to get 5,000 acres of land at one place. It then approached the Karnataka government and had preliminary discussions with at the secretary level.

It has sought appointment with Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy. The organisation has also tried to tap Maharashtra and Uttaranchal governments and if any of these states respond positively, the project may shift to that state.

The global education city will have telecommunication facility, research and development park, technology incubation park, ICT business park, sports complex, railway station, lake, wide roads, petrol pumps and other amenities.