Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, July 10: Gauhati University,Guwahati will soon have India’s first of its kind “Brahmaputra Study Centre”, exclusively devoted to research, analysis and application of the diverse resources of river Brahmaputra, in relation to varied aspects of hydrology, geography, meteorology, waterways transport, flood management, water resources, etc.
This was stated here today by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh during a meeting with Vice-Chancellor Gauhati University Dr (Prof) Mridul Hazarika, who called on him for a discussion on this dream project which is being primarily supported by the Ministry of Northeast (DoNER) at the personal initiative of DoNER Minister Dr Singh.
Pertinent to recall that Dr Jitendra Singh had, for the first time, two years back, mooted the idea of setting up Brahmaputra Study Centre at Gauhati University, while addressing a convocation of the University on 30th March 2015. He had then told the students of the University that he visualized the day when scholars from far and wide would travel all the way to Guwahati to take the benefit of this proposed Centre of Excellence devoted to the changing moods of one of India’s largest rivers, namely the Brahmaputra. However, the project got delayed because the then State Government was not much enthusiastic about it. But, soon after the installation of the new State government last year, this project was once again revived at the behest of Dr Jitendra Singh and it received a very positive response from Chief Minister Sarbanand Sonowal and his ministerial colleagues .
Dr Jitendra Singh told Prof. Hazarika that the proposal has been accepted in principle and it was being examined by the North-East Council (NEC), of which he himself is the Chairman. He also disclosed that the estimated cost of setting up a state-of-the art Centre will be around Rs. 35 to 40 crore and the modalities of going ahead are being worked out.
Dr Jitendra Singh referred to Department of Northeast Studies set up in some Universities, including Jamia Millia Islamia University, but said that the subject calls for an exclusive research institute which the Ministry of DoNER has decided to provide under the auspices of Gauhati University.
This will provide Gauhati University with a unique identity which it deserves, said Dr Jitendra Singh, considering the fact this is one of the oldest universities of the region which was set up around the same time as India gained independence.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Hazarika expressed the hope that if the project work proceeds at a fast pace, it might be possible to enroll the first batch of scholars for PhD and other research courses from January next year. He also invited Dr Jitendra Singh for a faculty lecture in the University in near future depending upon the time and date of his convenience.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
