Jamshedpur to get first private varsity

The state government gave the go-ahead to an educational group to set up a private university in Jamshedpur, which will start functioning from next year.

“The chief minister approved our proposal (to set up a private university) on Monday evening and directed officials to expedite the process to execute the project,” said Chenraj Roychand, chairman of Bengaluru-based Jain Group of Institutions (JGI).

“We submitted the proposal to the state human resource department two months ago. The CM’s positive response and an enthusiastic environment encouraged us to go for the project with an initial investment of `200 crore,” Chenraj Roychand told reporters here on Tuesday.

Hoping that the state government would complete the formalities in two months, Chenraj said JGI would create infrastructure for 20,000 students in the next seven years.

In the state, Ranchi has two private universities -- ICFAI (Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India) University and Sai Nath University.

“Our idea is to develop it (the university) as an industry-innovation-competency-incubation hub with an investment of `500 crore on each segment. We are developing such hubs in Australia and Africa,” he said.

“Apart from graduation, PG and Ph D courses, we will offer dual degrees, skill development and vocational courses,” Chenraj said, adding that around 20 engineering courses would be on offer.

Spread over 100 acres, the university will house administrative and academic blocks, research facilities, hostels, industrial laboratories and sports infrastructure on 1 million sq feet built-up area.

“JGI runs Jain College at Gamharia in Seraikela-Kharsawan district and will start construction of buildings on 50,000 sq feet to start the university session from next year with 1000 students,” said Chenraj, adding that the university would be affiliated with Kolhan University.

JGI runs a private university in Bengaluru with a faculty strength of 6500. Billiards champion Pankaj Advani, cricketers KL Rahul, Robin Utthappa, Varun Aron and Manish Pandey, tennis ace Rohan Bopanna, and swimming sensation Shikha Tandon have passed out from the university.

“Jamshedpur was chosen because we have a college here and the industrial hub will be apt for our aim to develop small-scale industries, service units and start-up ecosystem around the university,” the JGI chairman said.

“We have promoted setting up of 10 such companies in Bengaluru. We will offer merit-based scholarships, 25% of which will be reserved for poor and talented students.”