Dharna by BJD-BJP MLAs for IIT in Orissa

Bhubaneswar, Mar 13 (UNI) Members of ruling BJD-BJP today sat on a dharna near the Mahatma Gandhi statue in the Orissa Assembly premises demanding the setting up of an IIT in the state.

Just after the House was adjourned for a lunch break, the members holding placard sat on a dharna for half-an-hour to protest the Centre's ''apathetic attitude'' towards the state.

They alleged that though the Centre had earlier announced to set up an IIT in Orissa no step had been taken in this regard so far.

The members also raised the issue during Zero hour in the House and demanded a discussion on the matter.

They also demanded the Union government to make provision in the 11th five year plan to establish an IIT in the state.

UNI BD PP SB RS1615