New Delhi: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today announced an Indian Institute of Technology or IIT in Karnataka, which was among the most discussed topics on social media.
“We will ensure no student misses out on higher education due to lack of funds. We will set up an IIT in Karnataka and upgrade the Dhanbad College (in Jharkhand) to IIT,” Mr Jaitley said in his Budget speech.
Karnataka, the only state in the south without an IIT, had told the Centre that it would provide 500 acres of land and other facilities if an institute were to be set up there.
Several expert committees have favoured Karnataka as a location for an IIT.
In 2008, the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister had made the recommended but it was Hyderabad that got the IIT.
Last year, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Goa won out over Karnataka.
“IIT in Karnataka” became a trending topic on Twitter. “Finally an IIT in Karnataka, the IT hub of India,” tweeted Shruti Ranade.
Mr Jaitley also announced that Indian Institutes of Management or IIMs will be set up in Jammu and Kashmir and Andhra Pradesh.