Dharmendra encourages NIT students to become wealth creators

Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today encouraged students at National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela to aspire to become wealth creators.

“In 2036, Odisha will mark 100 years as a separate state and in 2047, India will mark 100 years of independence. NIT Rourkela has to lead efforts to further inculcate the spirit of research, innovation and entrepreneurship, nurture talented youth as well as contribute to the dynamism and prosperity of Odisha and India as we reach these significant milestones,” he said.

The Minister along with Sundargarh MP Jual Oram laid the foundation stone for six projects and inaugurated a Kendriya Vidyalaya at NIT to further strengthen the teaching, learning, innovation and skilling environment at the institution.

These projects are a 1000-seat boys hostel at a cost of Rs 77.53 crores, a 500-seat girls hostel at a cost of Rs 38.87 crores, a 1.5 MLD sewage treatment plant at a cost of 13.21 crores and a faculty residence at a cost of Rs 36.20 crores. Similarly, a 500-bed girls hostel will be constructed by MCL at a cost of Rs 42.69 crores and a 500-bed hostel will be constructed by the Ministry of Education for economically backward students.

Apart from this, the Union Minister has also inaugurated a new central school in the campus of NIT Rourkela.

These projects, including hostels for boys and girls, faculty residences, will boost capacities and make campus life more vibrant in line with National Education Policy (NEP), Pradhan said.

The Minister also interacted with young founders and CEOs of start-ups incubated at Foundation for Technology and Business Incubation at NIT.

He also said Foundation for Technology and Business Incubation is creating an enabling environment for nurturing start-ups and carrying out research and innovation.