Copy of forwarded letter from PMO for appropriate action to HRD Ministry on Tribal University Off Campus

Copy of Email Letter Sent on Dec 4, 2010
Dear esteemed Prime Minister Dr Singh,

In July 2009 I was informed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, as per attached letter, that

“on receipt of letter from late Sri Bikram Keshari Deo, former member of Parliament about the locating of the Central University of Orissa in Kalahandi district instead of Koraput district as recommended by the state Government, the Ministry of Human Resource Development had decided that Indira Gandhi National Tribal University could consider establishment of one of its off-campuses in Kalahandi district during the 11th plan period, subject to availability of sources”.

Central University is an emotional issue for the people of Kalahandi since over two decades. People of Kalahandi were first to raise such a demand in Orissa. Many protest letters and memorandums have been submitted by people in this respect to both the central and state Governments since past decade.

Though initially promised by the Chief Minister of Orissa, Orissa state Government played foul at the last moment and recommended for location of central university of Orissa at Koraput instead of Kalahandi when Kalahandi is the central location among KBK districts and has better train communication to most of the major cities in India.

Orissa state Government’s apathy towards Kalahandi has recently increased as the district has opted for Congress Party by electing maximum percentage of MLAs from congress party from any district in Orissa presently. The leader of opposition in Orissa assembly comes from the district and local MP Bhakta Charan Das won in highest margin of vote among any elected congress candidate in Orissa.

Kalahandi district is well known for backwardness and about 30% of its population is tribal and 15 % population is scheduled caste. It is also centrally located not only among KBK districts but also among all the tribal dominated districts in Orissa such as KBK, Kandhamal, Boudh, Gajapati and Bargarh, justifying itself as ideal location for branch of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University in Orissa .

As we are now towards the end of 11th plan period, I request you to kindly consider establishing an off-campus of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University in Kalahandi in the academic year 2011-12.

Thank you and warm regards,

Yours sincerely

Madhusmita Panda