NEW DELHI: Raising a crucial demand in Parliament, Kurukshetra MP Naveen Jindal has made a strong pitch for the establishment of an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Haryana, highlighting the stateโs vital contributions to Indiaโs development and emphasizing Kurukshetra as the most suitable location for the premier institute.
Addressing the Lok Sabha during a session on education infrastructure, Naveen Jindal drew attention to Haryanaโs absence from the IIT map, despite its strategic importance, rich academic legacy, and remarkable contributions to the nation.
โI stand before this August House to raise a matter of utmost importance, the urgent need to establish an Indian Institute of Technology in Haryana. At the outset, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and the Honorable Minister of Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan ji for their visionary leadership in revolutionizing Indiaโs education sector.
He added, โOver the past 10 years, the total number of students in 23 IITs has more than doubled from 65,000 students to 1,35,000 students, empowering lakhs of young minds to contribute to Indiaโs technological advancement.โ
A State Left Behind Despite Stellar Contributions
Jindal pointed out that Haryana, a state often referred to as the breadbasket of India, has played a pivotal role in national progress through its achievements in agriculture, sports, and defence. However, he lamented that the state still lacks a single IIT.
โMadam, however, Haryana, a state that has contributed immensely to the nationโs progress, from feeding the country as its bread basket to producing Olympians and soldiers who safeguard our borders, still lacks an IIT. While Haryana proudly hosts premier institutes like AIIMS, Rewadi and IIM in Rohtak, there is no IIT in the state. This is despite Haryanaโs rich legacy of academic excellence and its strategic location as an industrial and agricultural powerhouse.โ
Kurukshetra Proposed as the Ideal Location
Highlighting Kurukshetraโs historic, cultural, and educational relevance, the MP proposed the city as the ideal site for the new IIT.
โMadam, Dharamshetra-Kurukshetra is land of Bhagavad Gita, land of immense historical, cultural and educational significance. It stands as the ideal location for this IIT. The city already has the infrastructure to support a world-class institution.โ
He stressed that setting up an IIT in Kurukshetra would greatly benefit students from rural and tier-two areas who often face difficulties accessing premier technical education.
โTherefore, an IIT in Kurukshetra would unlock opportunities for rural and tier-two city youth who often face barriers to accessing top-tier education. Madam, I have personally discussed the matter with the Honorable Chief Minister Haryana who has wholeheartedly supported this proposal. The state government is fully prepared to provide the requisite land and has already written to the Ministry of Education for the establishment of IIT at Kurukshetra.โ
Appeal to the Education Ministry for Immediate Action
Naveen Jindal concluded his address with a formal appeal to the Union Government to expedite the process and bring Haryana on par with other states that already benefit from having an IIT.
โTherefore, Madam, through you, I urge the Honorable Minister of Education to prioritize this request and take immediate steps to establish an IIT in Kurukshetra. Madam, turning this vision into a reality would benefit millions of aspiring students and contribute to the nationโs development. Thank you.โ
Strong State Support for the Initiative
The proposal, backed by the Haryana state government, has already been forwarded to the Ministry of Education. With infrastructure readiness and administrative support in place, the ball is now in the Centreโs court.
As India continues to expand its higher education network to meet future demands, this call from Haryanaโs political leadership marks a significant step toward bridging regional gaps in technical education access.
