Work on permanent campus of IIM-Amritsar takes off
AMRITSAR: Three years after the state government acquired 61-acre land at Manawala for a permanent campus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Amritsar, the project has finally seen the light of day.
The construction of the 3.35km boundary wall was finally started on Thursday. The work has been entrusted to Central Public Works Department Amritsar for which over ₹3 crore has been allotted. “The wall will take around eight months to be constructed. However, there are some issues which need to be addressed,” civil engineer RK Rampal said.
Rajya Sabha MP Shweit Malik visited the temporary campus (polytechnic college complex) on Thursday. Speaking to HT, Malik said, “The project delay has been due to the deadlock between the IIM management and state government. The IIM committee has been asking for the change of land used for the campus site from the town planning department. Other issues include a no objection certificate from NHAI and land for proposed entry gate towards NH-15,” said Malik.
DEADLOCK CONTINUES Even though construction has taken off, but deadlock between the government and IIM committee continues over campus land.
“One of the most important issue being faced in setting up the proposed institution is the settlement of 1-acre private land inside the permanent campus site and settlement of existing and old kuccha path passing through the adjoining private land owner. We hope Punjab chief minister can help us as these issues are hindering the project pace,” said IIM Amritsar placement officer Sanjay Tripathi.
While Malik said, “Centre
government brought this project in Punjab with the help of Badal government. The projects should now be taken forward by the Capt Amarinder Singh-led Congress government.” He added: “IIM Amritsar is a big achievement for Punjab and for this project, even if I have to go personally and beg Captain, I will. I am sure he will resolve issues on priority and make this project successful.”
Meanwhile, the IIM-Amritsar authorities on Thursday said they have received ₹26.82 crore, out of which till March 31, they had spent ₹15.01 crore.