Odisha Considers University Township in Bhubaneswar Sambalpur Koraput
Odisha government has started exploring an integrated University Township in Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur and Koraput to combine education, research, skill development and industry under a PPP model.
Odisha’s state government has begun exploring an integrated University Township that would combine education, research, skill development and industry.
The initiative was discussed at a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary.
What does the proposed University Township include?
The proposed township is envisaged as an integrated academic, research, skilling and residential ecosystem.
It would be managed through a special purpose vehicle.
Common infrastructure and services would be shared by multiple institutions within the township.
As per the proposal discussed at the meeting, eight greenfield universities could be established within the township.
Each of these universities would be spread over an area of 25 acres.
The meeting also discussed the possibility of establishing universities that specialise in mining and allied disciplines.
Such specialised universities would leverage Odisha’s rich mineral resources.
This discussion took place during the same high-level meeting.
The township aims to bring together education, research, skilling and residential facilities in one integrated zone.
How will the project be funded and managed?
The project is proposed to be implemented under a public-private partnership framework.
The funding pattern is tentatively set at 60 percent from the Central government and 40 percent from the state government.
The meeting was convened to discuss the Centre’s proposal.
The Centre’s proposal envisages establishing University Townships through the challenge route under a PPP model.
The Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Higher Education Department made a presentation on the proposal.
The presentation covered the possible implementation of the University Township in Odisha.
Which locations are being considered?
Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur and Koraput are among the locations being considered for the University Township.
Earlier in the discussions, Kamakhyanagar was identified as a potential site.
Puri-Balukhanda was also named as a possible location.
Jatni-Tangi was similarly mentioned as a candidate area.
The high-level meeting was chaired by the Chief Secretary of Odisha.
Senior officials from the Development Commissioner’s office attended the meeting.
Representatives from the Housing and Urban Development department were present.
Officials from the MSME department participated in the meeting.
The Higher Education department sent its senior officials to the meeting.
Representatives from the Industries department attended.
Officials from the Revenue and Disaster Management department were also in attendance.
Officials participated in the discussions on the University Township proposal.
What is the proposed University Township in Odisha?
The proposed University Township is an integrated academic, research, skilling and residential ecosystem aimed at bringing together education, research, skill development and industry.
Which locations are being considered for the University Township?
Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur and Koraput are among the locations being considered, with Kamakhyanagar, Puri-Balukhanda and Jatni-Tangi also identified as potential sites during earlier discussions.
How will the University Township be funded?
The project is proposed under a PPP framework with a tentative 60:40 funding split between the Central and state governments.
What role will a special purpose vehicle play in the project?
The township would be managed through a special purpose vehicle, with common infrastructure and services shared by multiple institutions.
What did the high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary discuss?
The meeting discussed the Centre’s proposal to establish University Townships through the challenge route under a PPP model, including plans for eight greenfield universities and possible mining‑focused institutions.
How many universities are proposed within the township and what is their size?
Eight greenfield universities, each spread over 25 acres, are proposed to be established within the township.
What specialisation was discussed for universities in the township?
The meeting discussed the possibility of establishing universities specialising in mining and allied disciplines, leveraging Odisha’s rich mineral resources.
Which government departments’ officials attended the meeting?
Officials from the Development Commissioner’s office, Housing and Urban Development, MSME, Higher Education, Industries, and Revenue and Disaster Management departments attended the meeting.
Debraj Meher
District Correspondent, Sambalpur
Debraj Meher reports on Sambalpur district's civic affairs, the Hirakud dam command area, and the region's handloom economy. He has been the Mirror's Sambalpur correspondent since 2021.
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