PANAJI
Amidst growing movement against the proposed establishment of private university at Tivim, the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant strongly criticised the opposition to the educational establishment urging the protestors to “rethink”.
Addressing a World Tourism Day event, Sawant said that the State government has granted permissions to set up four private universities in Goa that include MIT University, Parul University, National Forensic Science and International School of Law.
Sawant said that more private universities have shown interest to set up their institute in Goa and we welcome them.
“The State government is working towards encouraging educational institutions and other industries to invest in Goa so that our students get required exposure,” he said.
“However, we see some people are there to oppose each and everything… opposition to an educational institution… I don’t understand… these people need to rethink… at least educational projects should not face opposition,” Sawant, who is also Minister for Education, said.
“If these things continue... Goa and our own children will miss out opportunities…these universities provide a double benefit… job opportunity and our students can explore different courses which are currently not offered in Goa,” he added.
In Tivim, where two lakh sq mtrs of communidade land is handed over to MIT University, villagers including some prominent Gaunkars have united to oppose the project. Villagers argue that the project could threaten their environment, infrastructure and heritage.
More than 400 villagers signed a petition and submitted to the local panchayat raising their strong objection to the project. A special gram sabha is also scheduled in this regard.
