‘106 acres not enough’: Rijiju backs expansion of Arunachal Pradesh University

Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Thursday called for the expansion of Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), saying its existing 106-acre campus would not be sufficient to meet the university’s future needs.

Addressing the ‘Vande Mataram @150’ celebration at APU, Rijiju urged local legislators to submit a proposal for expanding the university to his office and the state government, assuring support for the development of modern teaching and learning facilities.

“A university cannot grow in a congested space. The present 106 acres is not sufficient for Arunachal Pradesh University,” Rijiju said.

He said the Centre and the state government would extend support to the university’s expansion plans.

Rijiju inaugurated the newly constructed main gate of the university and student exhibition stalls and also participated in a tree plantation programme.

Praising the new gate, he urged the university authorities to plan its infrastructure and expansion with a long-term vision.

“We should plan the university with a vision for the next 100 years,” he said.

Priority for four-point memorandum

Rijiju also assured priority consideration to a four-point memorandum submitted by the university, seeking the construction of three hostels, establishment of a Tribal Heritage Museum, provision of dedicated water supply and a study on outreach among minority communities in Northeast India.

On the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, Rijiju said the concerns and views of local people would be taken into account.

He said the government would take people into confidence and assured that nothing would be imposed on the affected communities.

APU hosts Vande Mataram @150 celebrations

The three-day programme, organised by the Department of Mass Communication, Arunachal Pradesh University, with support from the Union Ministry of Culture, is being held to commemorate 150 years of Vande Mataram.

Rijiju highlighted the role of the national song in inspiring the freedom movement and fostering a sense of national unity.

The programme featured the release of a seminar book of abstracts, prize distribution and cultural performances.

The celebrations will conclude on Friday with a seminar and valedictory session.