Design institute to get national status

The union cabinet, at a meeting Thursday chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, approved the declaration of NID by parliament as an 'Institution of National Importance', Finance Minister P. Chidambaram told reporters.

The status of 'Institution of National Importance' would enable NID, Ahmedabad, to award degree to its students.

"This, in turn, may prove to be beneficial for students who wish to pursue post-graduation," an official release said.

A legislation in this regard will be introduced in the next session of parliament.

Chidambaram said the step would fulfill the need to professionalise, standardise and internationally benchmark professional design education in the country.