Sundernagar: Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said the Cluster University would be setup by spending an amount of Rs. 55 crore. Out of this Rs.11 crore each would be spent at Sundernagar, Drang and Basa under Cluster University and the remaining amount would be spent at Mandi campus.

The Chief Minister, while speaking at the prize distribution function of Maharaja Lakshman Sen Memorial Degree College, Sundernagar in Mandi district today, said that Sundernagar campus would have school of applied sciences, Management and Pharmacy.

The Chief Minister said that 10 Adarsh Vidhya Kendras would be opened in different parts of the State for providing quality education to the students. The State Government has also proposed a new scheme for coaching to the meritorious student for competitive exams. He said that the students passing out from their educational institutions would provide their old book to other needy students under the ‘Pustak Daan Yojana’.

Jai Ram Thakur said the college life was very inspiring and motivating as this is the best period in every one’s life. He said that he get nostalgic when he finds himself among the youth. It was an honour to be Chief Minister of the State.

Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj said that this would be the first cluster University which was as per UGC norms and HRD Ministry. He said that this Cluster University was a gift from the Chief Minister of the State to the people of Mandi district which would provide quality higher education facilities to the students of the region.

Bhardwaj said that private college and other educational institutions were playing a major role in providing quality education to the students of the State. He said the State Government would provide all possible assistance to these private institutions. A provision of about Rs 7273 crore has been made to the education sector for the next financial year.