Fast-track Construction of Skill University in Jaunapur – Bidhuri’s Appeal
A long-awaited project to establish a world-class skill university in Jaunapur, on the outskirts of Delhi, has hit a roadblock, leaving its completion hanging in the balance after 13 years of delays. The ambitious initiative, born out of a 2012 agreement between India and Singapore, has been mired in a land dispute since 2018, when objections raised by the Delhi forest department halted construction.
The Voice of Opposition
Standing at the forefront of this issue, BJP MP from south Delhi, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, took to the Lok Sabha to shed light on the bureaucratic entanglements hindering the university’s progress. With fervor, Bidhuri highlighted the series of events that have impeded the timely realization of this educational institution, urging the government to swiftly navigate the legal hurdles obstructing the project’s completion.
Timeline of Setbacks and Progress
In recounting the project’s history, Bidhuri pointed out the pivotal moments that shaped its tumultuous journey. He reminisced about the signing of the agreement in 2012, the subsequent allocation of 38 acres of land for the university, and the crucial change in land use status in 2014 that paved the way for construction. The momentum seemed promising when Rs 254 crore was sanctioned in 2017, kickstarting construction in 2018. However, the forest department’s objections in the same year abruptly brought progress to a halt, plunging the project into uncertainty.
Legal Implications and Oversight
The Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) entered the fray in August 2022, shedding light on the irregularities surrounding the land allocation for the university. The committee’s findings revealed that the Delhi government’s Panchayat Department had allocated forest land without obtaining the mandatory clearance from the central government—a violation of the Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980. Despite seeking clarification from the Delhi chief secretary in July 2021, the CEC encountered silence, prompting concerns over the legitimacy of the land transfer. The land, now under the jurisdiction of the department of training and technical education, was erroneously classified as “residential” in the Delhi Development Authority records, further complicating the situation.
The Call for Action
With the project hanging in limbo, Bidhuri’s impassioned plea to remove the bureaucratic and legal obstacles obstructing the university’s completion resonates with a sense of urgency. Emphasizing the pivotal role this institution plays in creating skill-based employment opportunities, particularly for the youth in rural Delhi, Bidhuri’s call to action reverberates across the educational landscape.
Expert Insights and Industry Perspectives
Educationists and industry experts alike underscore the significance of skill universities in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world employment demands. One professor emphasized that industry-aligned skills are not a mere luxury but a pressing necessity, urging expedited action to propel the project forward.
In conclusion, the journey of the skill university in Jaunapur stands as a testament to the intricate interplay of bureaucratic hurdles, legal intricacies, and the pressing need for skill-based education. As stakeholders navigate the complexities surrounding the project, the collective hope remains pinned on a swift resolution that will unlock a wealth of opportunities for the aspiring youth in Delhi and beyond.
