Dharmendra Pradhan initiates key developments at NIT Rourkela to advance entrepreneurship
Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan, marked a significant milestone by laying the foundation stones for six crucial projects and inaugurating a Kendriya Vidyalaya at NIT Rourkela. This transformative initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing the teaching, learning, innovation, and skilling ecosystem within the institution.
Pradhan’s engagement extended beyond groundbreaking ceremonies. He actively interacted with the young founders and CEOs of start-ups incubated at the Foundation for Technology and Business Incubation (FTBI). Encouraging them to focus on innovative problem-solving, he urged their contribution to the transformative journey towards a ‘Viksit Bharat’—a developed India.
Addressing the audience, Pradhan emphasized the pivotal role of the Foundation for Technology and Business Incubation in creating an enabling environment for start-ups. This aligns with the broader vision of fostering a robust start-up ecosystem in India.
During his speech, Pradhan inspired the students of NIT Rourkela to aspire to become wealth creators. He highlighted the upcoming milestones of Odisha’s centennial in 2036 and India’s centennial of independence in 2047, urging NIT Rourkela to lead efforts in instilling the spirit of research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The goal is to nurture the youth and contribute dynamically to the prosperity of both Odisha and India.
The projects unveiled include a boys’ hostel with a capacity for 1000 students, a girls’ hostel accommodating 500 students, and a state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant capable of processing 1.5 million liters per day (MLD). Additionally, 72 faculty residences will be constructed, creating a more vibrant campus life in line with the National Education Policy 2020. Supported by the Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA), these infrastructural projects aim to bolster capacities and elevate the overall learning experience.
Furthermore, Pradhan announced collaborations with Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) and the Ministry of Education to construct additional girls’ hostels. MCL will support a girls’ hostel with a capacity of 500, while the Ministry of Education will contribute to a 500-capacity hostel for the economically weaker sections, reinforcing the commitment to inclusive education and empowerment.
