West Bengal govt to upgrade Raiganj college to a new university

Kolkata, Nov 12: The West Bengal government's move to upgrade Raiganj college to a new university for the benefit of North and South Dinajpur districts, took a step forward after the state Assembly passed the Raigunj University Bill-2014.

State education minister Partha Chatterjee said the new university would not only serve the North and South Dinajpur districts, the government might also look into the possibilities of expanding its ambit.

"It is the first government-aided college to be converted to a university. It will act as a major boost to the people toward higher education," Chatterjee said.

Currently, students largely depend on North Bengal University, and Gour Banga University and the government found them inadequate to cater the need of the students of the districts.

Chatterjee said Rs 7 crore had been allocated as a one-time support with an annual expenditure budget of Rs 34 crore for the university that would come up on 14 acres of land. The minister said if everything moves smooth, then the university would start functioning from the 2015-16 session.

PTI