Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of ARNI University in the Private sector being set up by K.D. Education Trust at Kathgarh, in the interior Mandh area of district Kangra today.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony Chief Minister said that the State Government would be monitoring the developmental progress of all the private universities sanctioned by the State Government. He said that the State Government would extend all possible facilities to the developers to accomplish their targets well within the time-frame. He said that the State Government was committed to give boost to the quality educational activities to make Himachal Pradesh the "Education Hub" within the shortest period of time. He said that besides Government educational institutions, private players were also being welcomed to come forward and set up vocational educational institutions par excellence, which could produce professionals of international standard.

Chief Minister said that the Steel Authority of India would be developing its plant worth hundreds of crores of rupees at Damtal and generate employment and economic activities in the area. He said that more prestigious private houses multi-national companies were being invited with their proposals to invest in the safe investment zone of Himachal Pradesh. He said that the State was selective about the permission being granted to private investors in industrial and educational sectors.

Prof. Dhumal said that the State had created quality educational infrastructure where besides local students, adjoining state students were acquiring education. He said that now no students would be required to go outside the state to get higher and vocational education. He said that it had encouraged local people to develop their entrepreneurship and run centres par excellence in different disciplines. He said that almost all types of vocational courses were now available within the state of Himachal Pradesh.

Chief Minister made it clear that the State would conduct entrance tests for admission to the private universities and colleges and the interests of the State and its people would be protected at all costs. He said that the college fee-structure would also be determined by the state government so that Himachali students could also afford to pay the required charges conveniently. He assured the people of the State that their interests would be protected above all.

Prof. Dhumal reiterated the resolve of his government to rise upto the expectations and aspirations of the people. He said that Rs. 14 crore were being spent on roads and bridges in Gangath Assembly Segment.He said that Rs. 3.40 crore would be spent on 177 Mtr span bridge and Rs. 12.5 crore Kandapattan Bridge would also be constructed in the segment.

Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh had made lead in the setting up of the first IT University which was producing professionals of high calibre and the passing out students were availing of the in-campus placement facilities. He said that it had added to the endeavour of the state government towards bringing out qualitative improvement in the education system in the State. He said that the State was motivating private players to come forward in investing in education sector and set up professional University in the State. He said that State had already approved Eternal University at Badu Sahib in district Sirmour. Chitkara University in district Solan and ARNI was the third in the series to come up in district Kangra and that too in Mandh area.

Shri J.K. Jain, Chairman of K.D. Educational Trust presented a draft of Rs. 5 lakh as contribution towards the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for which Chief Minister thanked Shri Jain and said that the contribution would help the poor and the needy in the hour of distress.

Shri I.D. Dhiman, Education Minister said that 9,000 students were being awarded scholarshipsby the State Government. He said that educational infrastructure was also being strengthened. He said that 1170 regular posts had been filled up, recruitment process for 11491 posts was in progress and 2528 employees had been promoted in education department during the last nine months. He hoped that the University would contribute significantly towards quality education in the State.

Shri Ravinder Ravi, IPH Minister said that record number of promotions had been made by the state government during last 9 months and thousands were benefitted in Education and Health departments. He said that 56,000 Soil Health Cards had been issued to farmers to suggest them appropriate crop for cultivation. He said that Rs. 1200 crore were being spent over various I&PH activities and water harvesting would be promoted in a big way.

Shri Kishan Kapoor, Transport Minister said that former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee had sanctioned special industrial package for the state to boost industrial development. He said that Prof. Dhumal was committed to develop the state as an "Education Hub". He said that decision of Prof. Dhumal to disseminate the education activities to the inner parts would benefit the rural areas immensely.

Shri G.S. Bali, MLA also spoke and lauded the endeavour of the State Government to make the state an Education Hub and urged for protecting interests of the people.

Shri Des Raj, Local MLA welcomed the Chief Minister to his home segment and thanked him for setting up an important milestone by laying foundation of private University in his segment. He also thanked him for Rs. 11 crore for the construction of Kandapattan Bridge. He demanded that students of poor section of his area be also admitted in the University. He said that roads were being improved in the area. He also donated Rs. 51,000 towards Chief Minister's Relief Fund.

Shri Kripal Parmar, former MP also spoke and welcomed the University to the area.

Shri J.K. Jain, Chairman, K.D. Education Trust welcomed the Chief Minister and thanked him for laying the foundation of ARNI University at Kathgarh and declare that the Trust would help handicapped to get education and financial grant to be provided to daughters of poor families in the area.

Smt. Sarveen Chaudhary, Social Justice & Empowerment Minister, Shri Vikram Katoch, former MLA, Shri Kamlesh Pant, Deputy Commissioner, Shri Atul Fulzele, S.P. and other senior officers and prominent people of the area were present.