Imphal, August 29: Although the Union Planning Commission has agreed to extend aid from the Special Plan Assistance in connection with acquisition of the required land for construction of the proposed National Institute of Technology (NIT), Manipur University and IT Park at Mantripukhri, it has appended three new conditions including forfeiting the amount from the State Plan if the said projects are not completed within the stipulated period.

Disclosing this to The Sangai Express, a reliable source said in accordance to the letter written to the State Chief Secretary Jarnail by Senior Advisor of Union Planning Commission Jayati Chandra on August 8, the Commission has agreed to earmark an amount of Rs 15 crores for acquiring 300 acres of land required for setting up the proposed NIT, Rs 10 crores for acquiring 200 acres of land more for expansion of Manipur University campus and another 10 cores for construction of the proposed IT Park at Mantripukri in the Special Plan Assistance for the year 2007-08.However, the Commission has laid down three new conditions for providing the assistance.

The conditions are assurance on acquisition of the required land by the State Government, completion of the three projects within 3 to 5 years of commencement of the work and forfeiting the amount from the State Plan in case of violation of the conditions.

The State Government had earlier selected Kiyamgei as the site for construction of the NIT, but the State Cabinet approved Langol as the most suitable site for the purpose.

As for expansion of Manipur University campus, the Chief Minister has also already inspected the land for necessary acquisition.

While for setting up the proposed IT Park at Mantripukhri, the State Government has entrusted the task to the Software Technology Park of India.

Meanwhile, the State Planning Commission has communicated to all concerned for signing an undertaking/commitment in connection with the conditions laid down by the Planning Commission.

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