Sunday, April 8, 2007

Statesman: Rally for promised IITs

Rally for promised IITs

Statesman News Service
BHUBANESWAR, April 8: It was not a massive rally by political party congregation standards. But for once, the numbers did not matter, it was the members who mattered the most and they were eminent personalities from all walks of life ~ academicians, social activists, scientists, lawyers and a few politicians. They were all demanding an IIT and an IIST for Orissa.

Students had also joined the rally which marched towards Raj Bhavan square raising slogans and carrying placards demanding the establishment of these institutions in the state. They alleged that the centre had betrayed the people of Orissa by promising an IIT and then backing out.

They pledged protest from all levels including the Parliament. BJD MP Mr BJ Panda said MPs will stage a dharna in front of Parliament on 15 May. An IIT each for Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Rajsthan had been sanctioned with an investment of Rs 4,000 crore. Orissa, although was promised two IITs by central minister for HRD Mr M Fatmi on 28 August 2006 at Patna, has been duped, they said. The protestors demanded the establishment of an IIT and Improvement of UCE, Burla to IIEST. “Agamee Odisha” , a social organisation had taken the lead in organising the protest and mobilising support.

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