PUDA nod to tech university in Mohali

Sanjeev Singh Bariana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 19

The Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA) has approved a plan for a “world-class” technology university in Mohali with collaboration with top-notch international universities.

Additional Chief Secretary (Housing and Urban Development) Vini Mahajan said the proposal for the university, to be set up over 50 acres in IT City, had been sent to the Cabinet for approval.

The Reimagining Higher Education Foundation had, in May, mooted the idea of a university on the lines of Ashoka University, Sonepat. It proposed to the government that it would invest Rs 2,000 crore in 10 years for the ‘not-for-profit’ venture. The campus would be for 8,000 students with a faculty of 500.

The foundation promised collaboration with top-notch international universities in science and technology, including Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford, Harvard Medical School and John Hopkins University.

Subsequently, the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) pointed out that it had 200 acres of surplus land out of 1,700 acres earmarked for IT City in Sectors 66-B, 82-A, 83-A and 101-A.

So, the PUDA Board of Directors decided to spare 50 acres for the private university. It had met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on September 1.

Soon, the government will issue advertisements in newspapers, seeking proposals interested parties and groups. The foundation’s proposal will also be considered.

It will constitute a nine-member committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary to peruse the project proposal for standard, experience and quality. The Higher Education Department will be required to move a legislation in the Assembly, seeking establishment of the university.

As land cannot be allotted to a private institution, the PUDA decided that besides the proposal moved by the foundation, to seek proposals from more interested parties and groups.