Panaji (Goa): Succumbing to local opposition, the State government has decided to shift the proposed Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) project from Loliem in Canancona taluka to an alternate site.

Addressing media person’s post cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said that people in Canacona have apprehensions as far as IIT project is concerned which is unwarranted.

“Hence, we have started process to look for an alternate site…there are variety of options before us,” Parrikar said.

“We intend to finalize the site by July,” Parrikar, who is also Minister Education, added.

Chief Minister informed that the project requires huge land of around 10-11 lakh sq mtrs. He said having such premium institute in Goa will help the state to make available the local resources, which otherwise have to go for IIT Mumbai.

The proposed educational project is marred in controversy after villagers stood divided on the issue, with one section supporting while the other opposing it.

Meanwhile, the State Cabinet that met this morning accorded its approval for transfer of 4,56,767 sq mtrs of land at Cuncolim toUnion Ministry of Human Resource Development for setting up National institute of technology (NIT), after Ministry assured to reserve 40 percent seats exclusively for the State.

“As per the understanding between the State and MHRD, the land has to be given by the State government and all other infrastructure and expenses will be incurred by the Union government. We will be spending around Rs 40 crores on the land itself,” he informed.

Of the total 50 percent quota, Goa is set to get 40 percent exclusive seat reservation at the NIT while the remaining 10 percent seats of the home state quota will be reserved for students from Dadra Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, and Lakshadweep.

“Besides this 40 percent, if seats from the 10 percent quota of the UTs are not filled for a particular year, those seats will also come to Goans,” Parrikar added.

Team TNV