LS clears way for agricultural varsity in Bundelkhand

Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, when the Lok Sabha passed it Thursday. The Rajya Sabha approved the bill Wednesday.
The Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University Bill, 2012, seeks to establish an agricultural varsity whose jurisdiction will extend to the Bundelkhand region that covers seven districts in Uttar Pradesh and six in Madhya Pradesh.
Initially, it would establish two colleges in Jhansi and later two in Madhya Pradesh.
The key objectives of the university will be to impart education in different branches of agriculture and allied sciences, undertake research in agriculture and programmes of extension education in Bundelkhand region, and to promote linkages with national and international educational institutes.
Participating in the discussion before the bill was passed in the Lok Saha, Saugata Roy of the Trinamool Congress said the land is very infertile in the Bundelkhand region.
"It is very important to do research to do dry farming in the region," Roy said.
Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Arjun Meghwal also supported the bill and commended the government for naming the university after freedom fighter Rani Lakshmi Bai.
Samajwadi Party member Shailendra Kumar also supported the bill.