Cabinet nod to NRI/PIO University in India

New Delhi, Mar 22 (UNI) The Union Cabinet today approved setting up of the first NRI/PIO University in the country.

It will be set up as a deemed university by Overseas Indian Trusts or Societies with credible standing in education under the supervision of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs.

''It will, however, not be set up in an SEZ as the Group of Ministers was examining the matter,'' Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi told reporters after the Cabinet meeting that approved the policy framework for establishing the university.

An institution of excellence, it will cater to the needs of the NRIs/PIOs in sought-after-disciplines as well as impart educational standards on a par with the best universities in the world in one campus.

It will help in developing the comprehensive bilateral links with India through the active association of the diaspora.

The Cabinet approval follows the promise made by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the Indian Diaspora at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas There are around 25 million people of Indian origin living abroad in nearly 130 countries. Students from these countries, particularly in the developing world, where educational facilities are either not available or are limited, look up to India for their higher educational needs.

UNI