Soren Inaugurates Foundation Stone Ceremony for ₹5,000-Crore Private University in Ranchi

Ranchi witnessed a significant milestone on Wednesday as Chief Minister Hemant Soren laid the foundation stone for the Azim Premji University, a Rs. 5,000-crore private institution. The university, to be constructed on a sprawling 146-acre plot in Ranchi's Itki block, approximately 25 km from the capital city, is set to become one of the largest in the country.

During the foundation stone ceremony, Chief Minister Soren interacted virtually with Azim Premji, the founder chairman of Wipro, who expressed gratitude for the state government's support for the ambitious project. Soren extended an invitation to Premji to visit Jharkhand.

Highlighting the significance of the university, CM Soren remarked, "Currently, the biggest university campus of the foundation is in Bengaluru, which is spread over 110 acres. Ranchi's campus will be bigger than that as we have provided 146 acres of land for the project." The chief minister detailed that Rs 5,000 crore would be invested in the project in phases, with the university expected to commence operations in 2026.

The Azim Premji University in Ranchi will not only focus on higher education but will also house a medical college, a 500-bed hospital, and other health-related institutions. Additionally, a school spanning four acres will be established, providing free education up to Class 12 to students from nearby villages. The school will offer various amenities, including mid-day meals, regular health check-ups, uniforms, textbooks, and notebooks. The library and sports facilities will be open to children from neighboring communities.

Chief Minister Soren revealed that the proposal for the project came in 2021, with the university seeking a suitable location in the eastern region of the country. Recognizing the opportunity, Soren offered land in Ranchi's Itki area for the ambitious educational endeavor.

Reflecting on the state's development priorities, Soren emphasized a shift from a focus on mines and minerals to the empowerment of its people. "When we came to power, we focused on other fields, especially on education," he stated. Soren highlighted the development of 80 schools of excellence and announced plans for an additional 500 such schools, ensuring education at par with private institutions.

BS