On Wednesday, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren laid the foundation stone for a Rs 5,000-crore private university in Ranchi named Azim Premji University. The university, situated on a 146-acre plot in Ranchi’s Itki block, approximately 25 km from the capital city, will become one of the largest institutions under the Azim Premji Foundation.

During a virtual interaction with Azim Premji, the founder chairman of Wipro, Chief Minister Soren extended an invitation for him to visit Jharkhand. Premji expressed gratitude for the state government’s support and highlighted that this university would be one of the foundation’s significant endeavors.

The Chief Minister revealed that the investment for the project, set to commence operations in 2026, would be Rs 5,000 crore, with plans for a medical college, a 500-bed hospital, and other health-related institutions. Additionally, a school spanning four acres will offer free education up to class 12 for students from nearby villages. The Azim Premji Foundation official mentioned that the school would provide various forms of support, including mid-day meals, health check-ups, uniforms, textbooks, and notebooks. The library and sports facilities will also be accessible to children from nearby communities.

Chief Minister Soren shared that the proposal for the project was received in 2021, and Jharkhand’s focus on education development is part of a broader strategy. He emphasized that despite the state’s mineral wealth, it didn’t lead to the overall development of its people. Soren outlined the government’s commitment to education, highlighting the establishment of 80 schools of excellence and plans to develop 500 more such schools, ensuring quality education comparable to private institutions.

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