Goa is finally supposed to have an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in the state. This was announced a while ago and the campus was supposed to come up at Loliem-Polem. Until then, classes for a select number of students would be held at a local engineering college. But lately, the villagers of Loliem-Polem are up in arms against the government. They say that forest cover will be destroyed, if the IIT campus were to come up on the plateau in the village. Before the IIT campus was proposed there, there were plans to have a National Institute of Technology (NIT) at the same place, but this was opposed and eventually scrapped.
If the government knew that the villagers were already opposed to the earlier plan, why did they plan to have an IIT there anyway? Did something change, or did they assume it would be passed? Will Goa ever get prestigious educational institutions and aim to be an educational hub if there is haphazard planning or blatant opposition to building campuses here? Someone is wrong, of course. But at the end of the day Goa suffers.
IIT will definitely help boost the image of Goa which is currently looked upon as a state that lacks smart people. That being said, I'm not sure how many Goans will actually graduate from there. All currently IIT campuses are in places that don't come with a lot of distractions like Goa does. I'm not sure how attractive Goa will be as a state where technical education is provided
On the plus side, our youth certainly need to be made aware of the opportunities available to them besides tourism. Having such premiere institutions withing the state will certainly help this cause.
Aaron D'Souza, IIT professional, Bengaluru
Having an IIT campus in Goa is definitely a good thing. Goa is lacking in such a high level of education. Also, the presence of an IIT here will mean more opportunities for Goan students. As things stand, most Goan students don't even attempt to get in to an IIT. Maybe now they will be motivated to pursue a career in such an esteemed institute.
Punit Desai, student, Ponda
Education is a must. An IIT in Goa will put us on the global map, not just as a tourist destination but earning us a spot among the intellectuals leading to innovations benefiting all. However like any good ethical organization, everything needs to be transparent. When that happens, everyone will definitely back and support it completely.
Sagar Lokare, digital marketing professional, Germany
