Delay in land transfer puts NIT-Karaikal on hold

PUDUCHERRY: The construction of National Institution of Technology complex at Karaikal has been hit by delay in  transferring land to the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) as committed by the Puducherry government, even after a year of its inception.NIT-Karikal mentored by NIT, Trichy had been functioning temporarily at the premises of Arignar Anna Government Arts College from July 20, 2010. The institution will function in the temporary premises for at least two or three years until the new campus is constructed.  The government of Puducherry has identified about 257.56 acres for the establishment of the NIT in the revenue villages of Thiruvetakudi and Poovam in Cotucherry Commune at Karaikal. The construction of the college has been targeted for completion within six years from the time of inauguration. Already 39.56 acres have been acquired and transferred to NIT. However the remaining 218 acres is yet to be acquired. Though a fund of `12 crore has been secured through the efforts of MLA  A M H Nazeem and deposited with directorate of higher education, the process of getting the rest of the land has not taken off.“There was no representation from the government in the meeting convened by the MHRD with regard to NIT on July 19,” he said. However subsequently NIT Trichy director S Sunderajan sent a letter to chief secretary, on August 3 on behalf of MHRD with regard to the land transfer. “Despite there being an Education minister, Education Secretary, Director Higher Education, why did no one attended the meeting?” questioned Nazeem.The MHRD has stated that unless the entire land is transferred, it cannot go ahead with the Master Plan for the campus.  Further the allocation of budget, compound wall, speedy infrastructure development including administrative and academic blocks, hostels for students has been halted on account of it.  The Ministry of Human Resources Development has requested the government to facilitate the quick transfer of land to finalise the Master plan. Karaikal Collector Franklin Laltinkhuma said that the land acquisition process had begun with the issue of 4(1) notification in newspapers and publication on the site last month. It is awaiting the publication in Government Gazette, for which Special Secretary (Revenue) G Ragesh Chandra would have to issue orders.