Madhya Pradesh, Apr 19 : Human Resource Minister Arjun Singh on Saturday laid the foundation stone for the country's first tribal University, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University at Amarkantak.

Arjun Singh termed the moment historical, and said the University will provide an excellent opportunity for tribals to march forward.

“All the subjects that are being taught in other Universities will be added to the University's curriculum. This University is to connect tribes with mainstream of the society,” Singh said.

The aim of the university is to facilitate and promote avenues of higher education and research facilities primarily for the tribal population in the country.

The university with jurisdiction all over India, will be fully funded by the Central Government through the University Grants Commission (UGC).

While this university will be broadly on the pattern of the existing Central Universities, special provisions have been envisaged to accommodate the features as are peculiar to such a university.

Besides its headquarters at Amarkantak, the university will have such number of regional centres and campuses in the tribal areas as it may deem fit.

The objects of the university are to promote studies and research in tribal art, culture, tradition, language, custom, medicinal systems, forest based economic activities, including special studies in the flora and fauna, and advancements in technologies relating to natural resources of the tribal areas.

It will also make special provisions for the promotion of educational, economic interests and welfare of the members belonging to the Scheduled Tribes (ST) by providing adequate percentage of seats in the matters of admission, of posts in the matter of employment and other benefits.

The university will have power to establish at least one school in every regional centre, as a model school for the schools of the region.

All authorities of the university like court, executive council, academic council, college development council, boards of studies, academic boards, management boards and finance committee will have adequate number of members from amongst the ST.

The purpose of the establishment of the university is to make it a prime mover for development in the tribal areas hitherto neglected. (ANI)