Nitish meets Krishna, seeks funds for Nalanda University

New Delhi, May 19: Keen on speeding up work on the Nalanda International University, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday, May 18 met External Affairs Minster S M Krishna and sought timely release of funds and adequate budgetary provisions for the ambitious initiative.

He also drew the Centre's attention towards non-appointment of the Vice-Chancellor for the University.

"Please ensure that there are no undue delays in making the necessary funds available by making adequate budgetary provision for the same and releasing the money as and when required by the University," Kumar said in a memorandum submitted to the Union Minister.

He said the Vice- Chancellor has still not been formally appointed by the Visitor. "This is becoming somewhat of a source of embarrassment...," he said.

Kumar also and apprised him of his last visit to Bhutan where he discussed matters relating to electricity for Bihar.

Emphasising on the full commitment of Bihar government to the Nalanda University project, Kumar informed the Union Minister that the land had been transferred to the University in early February this year.

"I would request the Central Government also to fully support the project. Of course the University is being established in Bihar but it is going to be an international university of national importance and since it began as an initiative of East Asia Summit, the pride of the country is linked to its early and successful completion," he said.

Kumar told the minister that the next meeting of the Governing Board is scheduled to be held in Patna on July 6 and 7.

PTI