Univ Bill: Azam goes soft on guv, slams Cong

Lucknow, June 19 (UNI) Buoyed by the approval of the controversial Mohammed Ali Jauhar University Bill by the governor, Uttar Pradesh Urban Development Minister Mohd Azam Khan today appreciated the Raj Bhawan, but slammed the Congress for its ''continuous opposition'' to the proposed higher seat of learning.

Talking to reporters here, Mr Khan said the confusion over the character of the proposed varsity to be set up in the private sector had been sorted out with governor T V Rajeswar.

''I met the governor today to thank him for clearing the bill...

The notification would be issued today,'' he informed.

The bill's approval had become a major point of contention between the Mulayam Singh Yadav government and the Raj Bhawan.

The governor has laid down conditions that have to be fulfilled before the varsity comes up at Rampur.

''There are three conditions: The land should be at least 50 acres, the building area should be 24,000 sq meter and the varsity should deposit an endowment fee of Rs 2 crore. We already have 110 acres of land, the building area would soon be increased and the money deposited shortly,'' the minister explained.

He said chief minister Mulayam Singh would lay the foundation of the varsity within the next two months. ''We would also invite the governor for the function,'' he said adding, courses would commence in the next two yrs.

The senior Samajwadi Party leader slammed Congress for its opposition to the proposed varsity. ''Congress may approach the governor time and again. But, he is not bound to listen to their suggestions,'' he observed.

The minister also criticised UP Congress chief Salman Khurshid for claims that once Congress came to power in UP, it would get the varsity closed and remove him (Mr Khan) as life-time pro chancellor.

MORE UNI MB VS LR VC1545