Report by Dipti Ranjan Kanungo; Bhubaneswar (Orissa): The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh  laid the foundation stone of the proposed campus of National Institute for Science Education and Research (NISER) near Jatni in Khordha district, about 25 km from state capital on Sunday. The occasion was presided over by the Governor Muralidhar Chandrakant Bhandare.

The Prime Minister said that the institute symbolises commitment to the development of Odisha and its people. It also symbolises commitment to the cause of Education, and particularly  to Science education.It is our expectation that the NISER will produce scientific  trained manpower of a very high quality which could directly find placement  across the country. There will be greater emphasis on branches of Science relevant  to the Dept. Of Energy., which also cater to better exploitation  and utilisation of mineral and mine resources of Odisha . Mineral  and mines of Odisha will be taken in to consideration in designing training programs for students here.The Prime Minister that the NISER will became an eminent institute for like TIFR and II Sc.

The institute will be constructed in 300 Hct land provided by the state government at an estimated cost of Rs.823.19 crore and also creation of 761 posts in academic, scientific, technical, administrative and auxiliary categories for a seven-year plan.

NISER, operating under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), is currently conducting the five-year integrated masters in science programme in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics.

The first Academic programme of the institute was inaugurated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik  on 10 September  2007.

Currently NISER is utilising the facilities of Institute of Physics at Bhubaneswar for functioning. The institute is an autonomous research institution funded jointly by the DAE and the Orissa government.

After laying the foundation stone, the Prime Minister  returned  to New Delhi at 4.30pm from Biju Patnaik International Air Port. Governor Muralidhar Chandrakant Bhandare, Chief Minister ,Leader of Opposition Bhupinder and others were present in the Air Port to seup the Prime Minister.

This is Manmohan Singh’s second visit to the state as prime minister. His first visit was in August 2006 during his first tenure. During that visit he had announced the establishment of NISER in the state.