Nagaland Chief Minister, T R Zeliang on Thursday reiterated education was a crucial need in Nagaland and for which the State Government would welcome any organization, whether religious or non-religious, willing to set up institutions and universities to raise the standard of education to the highest level.
He was addressing a programme to felicitate differently-abled students under Patanjali Ayurved Limited (PAVL) held at the residence premises of N.Thomas Lotha, Advisor of Higher & Technical Education, at Khermahal on Thursday evening.
While welcoming Baba Ram Dev’s aide Bal Krishna Acharya’s his assurance to establish a 100-bedded hospital for the differently abled in Nagaland, Zeliang assured all possible support from the State Government.
“Let us open ways for the company to set up a university in the State. Not only the State Government but NGOs and every section of the society should cooperate not only towards this project but also towards any company who wants to invest in the State”, said Zeliang.
Bal Krishna Acharya of Patanjali Ayurved Limited (PAVL), a fast growing consumer goods company has assured that they will set up a 100-bedded hospital in Dimapur for the differently-abled person and has expressed interest in setting up a university in Nagaland in partnership with the State and Central Governments.
Three sites were inspected of which one would be chosen for the 100-bedded hospital.
In response to the Chief Minister’s full support to the differently-abled, Bal Krishna Acharya immediately sanctioned Rs 100 crore towards the project which was announced by advisor of Higher and Technical Education, N Thomas Lotha. Thomas is also a member of General Council for People with Multiple Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
Former Uttarakhand Chief Secretary, R K Sharma who was also present at the programme spoke about the importance of setting up colleges and universities in Nagaland.