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Guwahati, Nov 8: On Saturday, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the central government has allocated ₹21,000 crore to enhance the education sector in the Northeast over the past 11 years.

She highlighted improvements in connectivity, noting the addition of new states to the railway network and the construction of several greenfield airports.

During her two-day visit to Assam, Sitharaman laid the foundation for the state's inaugural university dedicated to technical and vocational education and training in Bholaguri, Gohpur, located in the Biswanath district.

The Swahid Kanaklata Barua State University is set to be constructed at a cost of ₹415 crore, covering an area of 241 acres with a built-up space of 7 lakh square feet.

"Since 2014, the Centre has invested ₹21,000 crore in the Northeast's education sector, resulting in the establishment of over 850 new schools. The first AIIMS in the region is now operational, along with more than 200 new skill development institutes. Additionally, the country's first sports university is being developed here," Sitharaman stated.

In Assam, 15 new medical colleges have been established, and the largest cancer care center in South Asia is under construction, along with plans for the region's second IIM.

"The Centre is collaborating with state governments to enhance the education sector," the Union Minister remarked.

She also mentioned ongoing developments in roads, bridges, tunnels, aviation, and railways in the region, noting that 10 new greenfield airports have been built in the last 11 years. For the first time, Manipur and Meghalaya have been included in the national railway map.

While paying homage to freedom fighter Kanaklata Barua, Sitharaman remarked, "At just 17 years old, she chose to sacrifice her life for our nation instead of pursuing her education. A university in her honor should have been established long ago."

Barua was part of the “Mrityu Bahini” during the freedom struggle and was killed by police while leading a procession to hoist the national flag at Gohpur police station on September 20, 1942, during the Quit India Movement.

Sitharaman expressed that while preserving the Gohpur police station or creating a memorial there would attract visitors, the university named after Barua will inspire future generations. She praised this initiative as a significant step forward.

She expressed her honor in laying the foundation stone for a university dedicated to Barua's memory and encouraged future students to embody the deep patriotism that Barua and other local freedom fighters represented.

The university will offer a variety of courses in technology fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, blockchain, drone technology, quantum computing, brain-computer interfaces, the Internet of Things, and smart city development.

Facilities will include academic blocks for 2,000 students, hostels for 1,620 students, residential quarters, a guest house, and a student facility center.