North East News Agency

As expected, Lok Sabha too passed a legislation to convert Manipur University into a Central University. While passing the legislation, the Centre stressed that it was alive to sentiments of the people of the North-East and more central universities be established in the region.

It may be mentioned here that Manipur University Bill, 2005 was approved by Rajya Sabha on November 30. The bill was passed by voice vote in Lok Sabha. Minister of State for HRD Kanti Singh clarified that resource crunch was the only problem in giving a categorical assurance that more central universities would be established in other North-Eastern States as well. According to her, State Governments, along with the University Grants Commission,    had to provide assistance to these universities. The Minister however admitted that the States were facing a severe resource crunch at the present moment.

“We believe in action and not mere assurances,” Kanti Singh asserted and maintained the Centre was alive to the necessity of establishing universities in these States. She said the proposal had already been taken to the Planning Commission and expressed confidence that a decision was likely to be taken soon.

The Minister said the UPA Government issued an ordinance in this regard as the academic session was already on the anvil and appointments made to several top posts including Vice Chancellor, Registrar and Financial Officer.

Member participating in the discussion hailed the decision to convert Manipur University into a Central University and called for setting up of more such institutions for spread of higher education in backward States. Thokchom Meinya, MP from Manipur said the Centre has fulfilled a long felt demand by giving Manipur University the Central status.

Khiren Rijiju (BJP), MP from Arunachal Pradesh, said the Government should bring legislation in right earnest for setting up such universities in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Tripura. He said while giving Manipur University central status, an impression should not gain ground that “one gets a reward only after trouble is made”. Tapir Gao (BJP) demanded a central university for Arunachal. Mohan Singh (SP) wondered when other regions had universities, why was NE left out.

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