Indira Gandhi National Tribal University in MP

Amarkantak, MP, Apr 19 (UNI) Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh today laid foundation stone here for the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, the first institution of its kind in Asia, under an initiative to conduct research on ancient tribal knowledge.

''The university's objective is to link the tribal community with the national and social mainstream. Its regional campuses will be set up in tribal-dominated areas across the country,'' he said while addressing the ceremony presided over by eminent Gandhian S N Subbarao.

The Madhya Pradesh government has promised to provide 21 acres for the university's construction.

Expressing disappointment over Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's absence at the ceremony, Mr Singh also said that he was dissatisfied over the delay in land transfer.

''Tribals will be given adequate representation in the institution's administration and in admissions,'' he added.

Speaking on the occasion, state Tribal Welfare Minister Vijay Shah assured that the land would be transferred at the earliest.

A school would be set up alongside the university.

UNI Team-AC RSA RK2201