Nitish urges PM for according central university status to Pusa

Patna, Jun 8(UNI) To give a fillip to agricultural developmental schemes and boost related research, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today requested Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to accord Central University status to Rajendra Agriculture University(RAU) of Pusa.

In his letter to the PM, Mr Kumar referred to the report submitted by Chairman of the special task force on Bihar Dr S.C.Jha on 'Bihar's Agriculture Development-Opportunities and Challenges' saying that the report had suggested giving RAU, a Central University status. The report had suggested an estimated outlay of Rs 3150 crores for modernisation of its infrastructure as well as research facilities.

Mr Kumar said once Pusa was accorded Central University status it will pave the way for new research and boost agricultural activities designed under the roadmap drawn for the development of agriculture.

Outlining the historical importance of RAU, Mr Kumar said it was started in 1971 for systematic agricultural research and education.

Citing the example of the National Developmeent Council(NDC) which had stressed the need for development of agriculture, Mr Kumar suggested devising state-specific plans building upon district plans for desired results. The CM disclosed the details of the roadmap being executed and stated that 2008-09 had been declared as a year of agricultural development.

He said the state government had taken initiatives for strengthening agricultural research, for which, he said once RAU was given central university status it will further boost research activities in the state.

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