Jharkhand CM  Hemant Soren Initiates Rs 5,000-Crore Private University Project in Ranchi

Ranchi, 24 Jan 2024– In a significant development, Chief Minister Hemant Soren laid the foundation stone for the Azim Premji University, a mega Rs 5,000-crore private university project in Ranchi. The event took place at the proposed site in Ranchi’s Itki block, located approximately 25 km away from the state capital.

This monumental project, named after Wipro’s founder chairman, Azim Premji, who virtually participated in the program, is set to be constructed on an expansive 146-acre plot. Chief Minister Soren highlighted the substantial size of the upcoming Ranchi campus, surpassing the foundation’s current largest campus in Bengaluru, which spans 110 acres.

The state government has allocated 146 acres of prime land for the project, with a committed investment of Rs 5,000 crore, to be implemented in phases. Anticipated to begin operations in 2026, the Azim Premji University in Ranchi aims to become one of the largest educational institutions in the country.

Notably, the comprehensive campus will house not only the university but also a medical college, a state-of-the-art 500-bed hospital, and various health-related institutions. Additionally, a four-acre school will be established to cater to students from nearby villages, providing free education up to class 12.

The school will offer holistic support, including mid-day meals, regular health check-ups, uniforms, textbooks, and notebooks. Furthermore, the library and sports facilities on the campus will be accessible to children from neighboring communities.

Reflecting on the genesis of the project, Chief Minister Soren shared that the proposal came to fruition in 2021 when the foundation sought a suitable location in the eastern region. Seizing the opportunity to foster educational growth in the state, Soren offered the Itki area in Ranchi for this ambitious venture.

Highlighting a strategic shift in focus, Chief Minister Soren noted that despite Jharkhand’s abundant mines and minerals, the prosperity did not translate into overall development. Emphasizing the government’s commitment to education, he revealed the establishment of 80 schools of excellence and plans for an additional 500 schools, ensuring quality education for students on par with private institutions.

This landmark initiative is poised to transform the educational landscape in Jharkhand, marking a crucial step towards comprehensive development and prosperity.