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The Odisha Assembly on April 6 passed the Xavier University Bill, 2013, paving the way for the establishment of the country's first Jesuit university, almost four years after the idea was proposed. Paul Fernandes, director, Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIM-B), shares with Nirmalya Behera the plans for this new university. Edited excerpts:
Why was the university status important?
We should not make it just a status. It is a university.
Odisha is a very important destination of higher education for students. This is an engagement and a commitment. It is also possible that we may expand to other states, too.
But you have a successful B-school. Don't you think the new varsity could take away XIM-B's sheen?
No. XIM-B will remain as it is and Xavier University will be a separate entity.
How much would you invest in setting up the varsity?
In the past four years, since the idea was proposed, the cost has escalated from Rs 33 crore to Rs 40 crore. In the first phase, the cost of developing 2,00,000 sq ft built-up area will be around Rs 40 crore. We expect the campus to be ready by December and operational by July 2014.
We are hopeful of starting the rural management programme by July. We would have more plans for the university's second, third and fourth phases. In each phase, we would add one or two schools. We will share the details at a later stage.
Where will the university generate funds from for operations and infrastructure?
We have to raise funds. The vision is clear to establish a university, to make it innovative and of great quality. We need resources and we seek support openly from alumni, friends, donors and anyone who wants to support our venture.
Would the proposed university foray into streams other than management?
Yes. We might have science and humanities schools.
Looking at the state's needs, we need to strengthen arts, science, cultural and media education. This, however, would be at a later stage of our operations.
You have reserved about 50 per cent seats for Odisha students. Why?
This is a unique feature. No other private university in the country has such a provision. We have done it because of our commitment to the state.
