THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
The Goa Cabinet on Wednesday approved the transfer of five lakh square metres of government land at Farmagudi to the Union Ministry of Education for the permanent campus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Goa.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said IIT Goa will hand over its existing hostel facilities, built at the site, to Goa Engineering College (GEC), and that the government is also acquiring more private land in the area for the reputed institution, part of which will also be transferred to GEC.
As of now, around 2 lakh square metres have already been surveyed for acquisition, he added.
The Centre had earlier this month accepted the State’s proposal to locate the long-pending IIT campus at Farmagudi, after several earlier sites across Goa faced local opposition and were dropped.
With the Cabinet’s clearance on Wednesday, the land will now be formally transferred to the Union Ministry of Education for the project.
IIT Goa has been functioning from temporary facilities at the GEC campus in Farmagudi since its establishment in 2016. The decision paves the way for the construction of a permanent campus, ending years of uncertainty over the institute’s location.
Sawant said the move balances the interests of both institutions. “IIT Goa will finally get its own campus, while GEC will benefit from additional land and hostel facilities,” he noted.
The Cabinet’s approval marks a significant step in resolving one of Goa’s most protracted educational infrastructure debates, and officials expect the Union Ministry to fast-track planning and development of the new campus.
Highway bill to be withdrawn
In another decision taken on Wednesday, the Cabinet decided to withdraw the Goa Highway and Validation Bill after the Centre raised some issues and suggested modifications.
Sawant said the bill will be withdrawn and enacted afresh after incorporating the changes suggested by the Centre.
In other decisions, the Cabinet approved the creation of some 70-odd posts for the Nursing College in South Goa, as well as some posts for the Goa Medical College and Hospital on a contract basis, such as a retina surgeon and others.
Freedom fighter kin to get jobs
Sawant also said that some 22 job letters will be handed over to the children of freedom fighters under the existing scheme. "Tomorrow (Thursday) is Goa Revolution Day. On this occasion, we have cleared these job offers for 22 children of freedom fighters," Sawant said.
