Berhampur residents take out candle march for setting up IIM in the city

A candle march was taken out by residents and students in Berhampur on Monday evening for the demand of establishment of proposed IIM Odisha in Berhampur city of Ganjam district.

It was part of continuing agitation in the district for establishment of the proposed IIM in the area. This candle march had been organised jointly by the ‘Bhanja Bikash Manch’ and ‘Forum for IIM in Berhampur’. Berhampur MLA as well as leaders of different political parties and social organisations too took part in this candle march. The candle march culminated at Gandhi Nagar square, where a public meeting was held to create public awareness for the demand.

As per the speakers at this public meeting, till now no major national institution has been established in southern Odisha, which speaks of regional disparity in the State.

Meanwhile, the Bhanja Bikash Mancha, has started a signature campaign for the demand of IIM in Ganjam district. The ‘Forum for IIM in Berhampur’ has started using social network on the web to increase support for the demand.

In July this year Union finance minister Arun Jaitley had announced establishment of four new IIMs, including one n Odisha. Although the Odisha IIM has already been included as a choice for candidates appearing Common Aptitude (CAT) in November, the place of the proposed institute has not been decided by Odisha government.

The Central Human Resources ministry has recently requested Odisha government to provide 200 acres of land for free at a place which has better connectivity. The Odisha government is to suggest names of two or three places for establishment of this premier management institute of the country, from which one would be selected.

Source: The Hindu