MOIA invites Expression of Interest for PIO University

New Delhi, June 14 (UNI) The Centre has set in motion the process of setting up a "Deemed University" exclusively for the children of People of Indian Origin (PIOs) and the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).

The Ministry of Of Overseas Indian Affairs (OIA) today invited Expression of Interest(EOI) for setting up the University in India from reputed Overseas Indian Trusts or Registered societies with ''experience in establishing and managing higher educational institutions.'' The EOI by the interested establishments should be sent to the Ministry within the next 45 days, an advertisement in major national dailies today said.

The announcement said the ministry would shortlist trusts and societies within a reasonable period.

Those shortlisted will be invited to make a presentation on their proposal to a Screening Committee. They will thereafter be required to submit the detailed project report for setting up the proposed university for further evaluation.

''The entire process is expected to be completed in the next six months so that the University can function from academic year 2008,'' a senior MOIA official said, while confirming that the location for the university is yet to be finalised.

The Union Cabinet has given its nod on March 22 this year for the setting up of the PIO University in fulfilment of the assurance given to PIO and NRI organisations by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who took special interest in the project.

The Cabinet had also approved the policy framework for establishing the University with the help of Trusts or Societies with ''credible standing in education.'' Though it was announced earlier that the University would be set up in Special Economic Zone (SEZ), the idea was shelved subsequently and the issue is being examined by a Group of Ministers.

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