Rs 300 cr grant for Mumbai, Madras, Calcutta universities:Cab

New Delhi, Mar 29 (UNI) The Centre today announced a special grant of Rs 300 crore for three universities -- Rs 100 crore each for those of Mumbai, Madras and Calcutta -- for their research projects on the occasion of their celebrations of 150th year.

Under the decision taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the funds will be spent by the respective universities for setting up their centres of nanosciences and nanotechnology/bio-medical nanotechnology in a phased manner.

Briefing reporters, Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi told reporters that implementation of the projects would result in establishment of three world class centres for nanosciences and nanotechnology which will provide benefits such as additional facilities for research and training in relevant fields.

It would also help create proper ambience for emergence of successful industries in the relevant fields and introduction of successful new products and filing of additional patents in the fields of nanosciences and nanotechnology, besides making available additional trained manpower.

The project will be started in the current year and completed by 2010-11.

UNI