ANWARUL HODA / PATNA
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that Bihar was blessed with both ‘Gyaan’ and ‘Ganga’ and the land has a legacy that is unique. PM said that in every state the top level of the civil services has people, who have studied in Patna University. He said that from conventional teaching, the universities need to move towards innovative learning.
Addressing the centenary celebrations of Patna University today, Modi said that Centre attaches topmost importance to the development of the eastern India.
He also praised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his commitment towards the progress of the State. Prime Minister expressed hope that when India celebrates 75 years of Independence in 2022, Bihar should be among prosperous States of the country.
Mr. Modi announced 10 public Universities and 10 private Universities will be made world-class universities in the country. Mr. Modi said the selection of these universities will be on merit and there will no interference.
He said there will no Government control over these universities and autonomous status will be given to them. Prime Minister said ten thousand crores will be provided to these universities.
Mr. Modi said, in an era of globalisation, the country needs to understand the changing trends across the world. He said that India, which has distinguished itself in the IT sector, can make its place in the world by its sense of competitiveness.
Mr Modi said, India is a youthful nation, blessed with youthful aspirations and urged youngsters to think about innovative solutions to the problems faced by people around them.
Mr Modi, who is on a day-long visit to Bihar, is the first Prime Minister to attend celebrations of Patna University. Addressing centenary celebrations, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar urged that Patna University should be granted central university status.
Mr. Modi also laid the foundation stone of various projects worth about 3700 crore rupees in a function at Mokama. It includes four sewerage projects under Namami Gange and four National Highway projects.
These projects include a six-lane bridge over river Ganga.
The four National Highway projects for which the foundation stone will be laid include four laning of Aunta – Simaria section and Bakhtiyarpur-Mokama section of NH-31.
In addition, foundation stone will also be laid for two lane construction of Maheshkhunt- Saharsa- Purnea section of NH 107 and Biharsharif- Barbigha- Mokama section of NH 82.
The four sewerage projects include Sewage Treatment Plant at Beur, Sewerage System with Sewer Network at Beur, Sewage Treatment Plant at Karmalichak and Sewage Treatment Plant and Sewer Network at Saidpur.
These projects together will create new Sewage Treatment Plant capacity of 120 MLD and upgrade the existing 20 MLD for Beur. This also includes sewer network of about 235 km in Beur and Saidpur zones.