Uttarakhand to Establish Centers of Excellence in Roorkee and Pantnagar : 10 Centers of Excellence, 492 Acres Unleashed for Industrial Growth, and Positive Future Prospects!

Introduction:

Union Heavy Industries Minister Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey has given in-principle consent for the establishment of Centers of Excellence (CoE) in Roorkee and Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. This significant development aims to foster industrial expansion and research in the state. Let’s delve into the details of this transformative initiative.

1. Union Minister’s Approval:

• Union Heavy Industries Minister Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey has granted in-principle approval for the construction of Centers of Excellence in Roorkee and Pantnagar.
• This decision follows discussions between Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Minister Pandey in New Delhi.

2. Understanding Center of Excellence (CoE):

• A Center of Excellence serves as a hub for leadership, best practices, research, and skills training in a specific field.
• It provides support, training for trainers, and fosters excellence in a chosen area, maintaining the highest standards.

3. Request for Land Transfer from BHEL:

• The Uttarakhand Government has requested the transfer of 492 acres of unused land owned by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Haridwar.
• This includes 457 acres at Integrated Industrial Estate, Haridwar, and an additional 35 acres suitable for a multi-modal logistics park along the Haridwar railway line.

4. Utilizing Unused Land for Industrial Expansion:

• The proposal aims to transfer 457 acres for industrial expansion to promote investment in Uttarakhand.
• Additionally, the state government plans to utilize 35 acres for setting up a Multi-Modal Logistics Park, enhancing opportunities for economic growth and employment.

5. Uttarakhand’s Focus on Industrial Development:

• Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted Uttarakhand’s continuous development in ease of doing business, investment promotion, and startup initiatives.
• The state consistently ranks high in Government of India-issued rankings, emphasizing its commitment to industrial growth.

6. Centers of Excellence for Agriculture:

• Uttarakhand is also set to establish four Centers of Excellence to promote apples, spices, and dry fruits.
• These centers will serve as research hubs for high-yielding seeds, climate change effects, product promotion, and brand creation.

7. Vision for Future Centers of Excellence:

• The long-term goal is to have ten Centers of Excellence in the state, each dedicated to different products.
• This strategic approach aims to give Uttarakhand’s Himalayan produce a distinct identity, fostering brand recognition.

Final thought:

Uttarakhand’s commitment to establishing Centers of Excellence in Roorkee and Pantnagar, along with the visionary plan for agricultural research hubs, reflects a pivotal step towards fostering industrial growth and innovation in the state. The utilization of unused land for economic expansion aligns with the government’s dedication to creating employment opportunities and enhancing Uttarakhand’s overall development.

Question: What is the significance of establishing Centers of Excellence in Roorkee and Pantnagar, Uttarakhand?

Answer: The establishment of Centers of Excellence in Roorkee and Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, signifies a commitment to fostering leadership, best practices, research, and skills training in specific areas, contributing to the region’s overall development.

Question: Who granted in-principle consent for the construction of Centers of Excellence, and when was this decision made?

Answer: Union Heavy Industries Minister Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey granted in-principle consent for the construction of Centers of Excellence on February 2, 2024.

Question: Why was the transfer of 492 acres of unused land from BHEL Haridwar requested, and what is its potential use?

Answer: The transfer was requested to utilize the 492 acres of unused land owned by BHEL Haridwar for industrial expansion, thereby promoting investment in Uttarakhand.

Question: Explain the concept of a Center of Excellence and its role in promoting best practices and research.

Answer: A Center of Excellence serves as a body providing leadership, best practices, research, and skills training for a specific area. It aims to maintain the highest standards in that particular domain, fostering innovation and development.

Question: How long has the 457 acres of land owned by BHEL, Haridwar, remained unused, and where is it located?

Answer: The 457 acres of land owned by BHEL, Haridwar, has been unused for about 60 years and is situated at Integrated Industrial Estate, Haridwar, Uttarakhand.

Question: What is the proposed use of the additional 35 acres of land owned by BHEL?

Answer: The additional 35 acres of land owned by BHEL is suitable for setting up a multi-modal logistics park, contributing to economic development and investment promotion

Question: How does the transfer of unused land contribute to industrial expansion and investment promotion in Uttarakhand?

Answer: The transfer of unused land supports industrial expansion in Uttarakhand, attracting investments and creating employment opportunities for the youth, fostering economic growth.

Question: According to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, how is Uttarakhand performing in terms of industrial development and ease of doing business?

Answer: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that Uttarakhand is continuously developing in the field of ease of doing business, investment promotion, and startup initiatives.

Question: What top ranks has Uttarakhand received in the rankings issued by the Government of India?

Answer: Uttarakhand has consistently received top ranks in the rankings issued by the Government of India, reflecting its excellence in various aspects of governance and development.

Question: What are the key features of Uttarakhand, including its establishment date, capital, and notable natural symbols?

Answer: Uttarakhand was established on November 9, 2000, with Dehradun as its capital. Notable symbols include the Musk Deer (State Animal), Brahma Kamal (State Flower), Monal (State Bird), Buransh (State Tree), Aipan (State Folk Art), and Harela (State Festival).

Question: How many Centers of Excellence will Uttarakhand set up, and what will be their focus areas?

Answer: Uttarakhand plans to set up four Centers of Excellence, focusing on promoting apples, spices, dry fruits, and vegetables. These centers will serve as one-stop destinations for research, development, and brand promotion.

Question: What financial assistance is available from the Central government for establishing Centers of Excellence?

Answer: The Central government offers ₹10 crores of financial assistance to states for establishing Centers of Excellence, supporting initiatives for research and development in various sectors.

Question: What is the current status of the construction of centers of excellence for aromatic plants and organic farming in Uttarakhand?

Answer: Uttarakhand currently has one center of excellence for aromatic plants in Selaqui, and the construction of another center of excellence for organic farming in the Narendra Nagar area of Tehri Garhwal district is underway.

Question: How does the state government plan to brand Uttarakhand’s Himalayan produce through the Centers of Excellence?

Answer: By having dedicated Centers of Excellence for different products, the state aims to build a brand identity, making it easier to promote and distinguish Uttarakhand’s Himalayan produce in the market.

Question: In the context of promoting organic farming, what steps did the agriculture department take last year?

Answer: The agriculture department selected an area of 78,000 hectares, divided into 3,900 clusters in hilly districts, for promoting organic farming. Each cluster was allocated 20 hectares of land for practicing organic farming.

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