PM writes to CM,says looking into BESU upgradation

Earlier the chief minster wrote a letter to Singh urging him to bring in an ordinance on the issue.

On the issue of upgrading Bengal Engineering Science University (BESU) to Indian Institute of Science Engineering and Technology (IIEST),Prime Minister Manmohan Singh through a letter has assured Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that the Centre is considering the proposal.

Earlier the chief minster wrote a letter to Singh urging him to bring in an ordinance on the issue. The Union Cabinet has already approved the upgradation of BESU but an amendment in the NIT Act is required for it.

The first amendment of NIT Bill for Indian Institute of Science Education and Research was passed in Lok Sabha during this monsoon session and will now go to the Upper House. For the IIEST status of BESU, another amendments to brought in. The Union Cabinet has also approved Rs 592. 20 crore for the upgradation of BESU for 12th Plan which draws to a close next year. However,the money could not be utilised. We want ordinance so that we can quickly start functioning as an IIEST. We will be able induct students through a national examination and BESU can function as IIEST from next year, said Ajoy Kumar Ray,Vice-Chancellor of BESU. ENS