Process begins to establish NIT at Khamdong

GANGTOK, 24 June: Khamdong in East Sikkim will soon have a National Institute of Technology [NIT] to be developed on a 300 acre plot of land. Consultation meetings have already begun in the area and the land compensation rates reportedly agreement upon as well. 
A meeting in this regard was called by the HRDD Minister NK Pradhan on 22 June at Khamdong which was also attended by the area MLA, Am Prasad Sharma, Secretary Human Resource Development, Director Technical Education, Joint Director Information Technology, District Collector, East and the affected land owners.
A press release from the land owners informs that during the meeting, land compensation was fixed at Rs. 12 lakh per acre, plus 30 percent solatium amounting to a total of Rs. 15.60 lakh per acre with compensation for standing properties to be added as per government norms.
The first meeting to discuss the land acquisition was held last year at Dungdung in Upper Khamdong chaired by Tularam Dhakal followed by a public hearing at Khamdong BAC organized by HRDD, the release informs.
A committee was then instituted to supervise the construction of NIT infrastructure and other related issues. The HRD Department will acquire 100 acres in the first phase and acquire the remaining 200 acres in due time, the release further informs.
The locals have expressed confidence that the institute will not only boost the educational environment in the area but also help to promote tourism, the release adds.