KalingaTimes Correspondent
Bhubaneswar, Jan 23: Union Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh on Wednesday assured that the Centre would soon take a decision on Orissa government's demand for the setting up higher institutions of learning in the State.

Orissa had a very good case for setting up of a Central University in the KBK region, Singh indicated when Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik called on him in New Delhi.

Singh also said that there was a strong possibility of setting up of an IIT/IIM in Orissa in view of the industrial growth being witnessed in the State, according to an official release.

Patnaik demanded for the setting up of an IIT, an IIM and a multi-disciplinary Central university in the KBK region in view of the current industrial boom in the State. An IIT should be established in the State during the 11th Five Year Plan period, he said.

The Chief Minister also met Union Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy and requested him for enhancement of allocation of fund for Orissa to at least Rs 2500 crore under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission.

He also sought allocation of Rs 1000 crore under the Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for the Small and Medium Towns.