Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today laid the foundation stone of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Co-operative Management, the first of its kind in India, at Demow Pathar in Joysagar in this district of Assam.
The proposed university, expected to give the co-operative movement a new dimension and a big thrust to Panchayati Raj system and rural economy of the region, will be established on a 250-bigha plot.
Mr Gogoi hoped that co-operative movement would fulfill a long cherished dream of the people and said, "Panchayat and co-operative are the only means which will bring economic independence of the rural populace."
Terming 2010 as an eventful year for Assam, Mr Gogoi said the state witnessed all-round development in different sectors.
Saying that development cannot take place without peace, he hoped that peace will prevail in the state and different extremist organisations would come foward for talks with the government.
Co-operation and Culture Minister Bharat Narah said the government has sanctioned Rs 1 crore for the preparatory work for the University.
"The state government shall sanction Rs 20 crore after submitting the concept paper and detailed project report (DPR). We have also sent a concept paper and DPR with an estimate of Rs 40 crore to the Union Ministry for Development of North-East Region", he said.
Assam Law, Sericulture, Handloom and Textiles Minister Pranab Gogoi inaugurated the website of the proposed university on the occasion.
Prof M R Dixit of Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad, who is heading a three-member consultative group for designing the academic programme of the proposed university, hoped that the institution would strengthen the economy of the state, in particular, and India, in general.
