Bhopal, Apr 18: Indira Gandhi National Tribal University is being established at Amarkantak. The state government has provided 21 acre land for this university. Foundation stone of the university would be laid by Human Resources Minister Arjun Singh on April 19. Those who would be specially present on the occasion include Commercial Tax Minister Babulal Gaur, Tribal Welfare Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah, Leader of the Opposition in Vidhan Sabha, Ms Jamuna Devi and MP Dalpat Singh Paraste. Famous Gandhian philosopher, Dr SN Subbarao would preside over the function.

Objective of establishment of this university is to provide better facilities of higher education for tribal youths. There is sufficient population of tribal people in Madhya Pradesh and they would get adequate benefit from establishment of this university. At present, there is no Central university in the state which may be functional only for tribal people in tribal-dominated areas. The university to be established at Amarkantak in Anuppur district would increase opportunities of higher studies and research for tribal students.

The university with jurisdiction all over India, would be fully funded by the Central Government through the University Grants Commission. The university would have regional centres and campus also which would fulfil the demand for universities in different tribal-concentrated areas. The objectives of the university would include giving special attention to tribal art, culture, traditions, language, rites and customs, systems of treatment, forest-based economic activities, study of flora and fauna and improvement in technology vis-à-vis natural resource in tribal areas.

Special provisions would be made for ensuring adequate percentage of seats in the matter of admission and of posts in the matter of employment to people belonging to scheduled tribes. This would serve their educational and economic interests as well as increase quantum of welfare works among them. The university would have the right to open at least one school in every regional centre. This would the model school of the region.

Adequate representation would be given to members of schedule tribes in University Court, Executive Council, Academic Council, College Development Council, Boards of Studies, Academic Boards, Management Boards and Finance Committees.