Modi lays foundation of six model degree colleges from J&K

Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation of six new model degree colleges in the state through video-conferencing from Jammu & Kashmir on Sunday. He also launched an entrepreneurship, innovation and career hub at Utkal University here.
These initiatives fall under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (Rusa). The six model degree colleges will be set up in Kalahandi, Koraput, Balangir, Gajapati, Kandhamal and Dhenkanal. All six have been chosen for the Niti Aayog’s ‘aspirational districts programme’.

During an interaction with the students of Utkal University through video-conferencing, Modi said, “Odisha has a rich heritage and a long coastline but it has not achieved much in the tourism sector.” He added that students should use their education, as well as technology, to promote tourism in the state.

At the entrepreneurship, innovation and career hub, students will get skill development training and incubation facility. Besides, career counselling will also be available to them.

Higher education minister Anant Das, who participated in the event at Utkal University, criticised the programme and called it a political event. “Instead of answering the questions of the students, the Prime Minister was more keen on promoting central schemes. If he is so keen on the development of Odisha’s tourism, he should have launched some special package for the state.”