Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s proposal to recommend Hubballi-Dharwad, Raichur, and Mysuru as probable places for establishing an Indian Institute of Technology in the State comes even as various academics and industry leaders have been arguing that Bengaluru alone is the ideal location.
A section of academics argue that only Bengaluru has such an ecosystem in the State, with many premier research institutes and potential to attract the best talent in the form of faculty and students.
M.S. Thimmappa, a former Vice-Chancellor of Bangalore University, argued that an IIT in any other city will pose difficulties in attracting the best of faculty. He said the success of an IIT depended on the opportunities available for students to interact with the industry and only Bengaluru could provide a world-class platform. Though not many are ready for an IIT in Raichur, academics are divided among Hubballi-Dharwad and Mysuru as the possible alternatives.
Basavaraj Kalasa, president of IIT Horata Samiti, Raichur, told The Hindu that a premiere educational institute in a backward district like Raichur will have an immense impact on the academic scenario of Hyderabad Karnataka region.
The committee, headed by me, suggested an IIT in Hubballi-Dharwad in 1996.
There is no point in another premier educational institute in Bengaluru. IIT needs industry interaction for its success and effective utilisation. The apt place is Hubballi-Dharwad.
U.R. Rao,former Chairman, ISRO
Bengaluru is the ideal place to set up IIT as it provides the best accessibility, infrastructure and industry. Sadly, the location is being decided for emotional and political reasons. Of the three places suggested by the Chief Minister, Mysuru is the only best option.
Mohandas Pai,Chairman, Manipal Global Education
