BHUBANESWAR: The state government on Monday decided to set up the proposed Odia University at Bakula Bana in Puri district The decision in this regard was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by chief minister Naveen Patnaik here.Naveen directed the officials to ensure that not a single tree was felled for construction of the Odia university at Bakula Bana. Puri collector Jyoti Prakash Dash has been asked to expedite necessary procedures for the establishment of the Odia University."Utmost care will be taken not to disturb the natural and pristine environment of Bakula Bana during the construction of the university campus. The ambience of the age-old institute should be reflected in the campus," said an official source. A single-storey building with sandstones will be constructed for the purpose.An official release issued by the chief minister's office said an officer on special duty (OSD) will soon be appointed and the temporary office of the varsity will function from Pantha Niwas at Satyabadi.Earlier, the state government had proposed a budget of Rs 10 crore to be spent for establishment of the varsity. At least 25-acres of land have also been earmarked for the purpose.The proposed varsity would offer post graduate courses in Odia language and literature. It would also facilitate research in literary criticism, evolution of East Indian language scripts, historical scripts, archaeology and translation into and from Odia.Set up by five iconic leaders - Utkalamani Gopabandhu Das, Acharya Harihar Das, Pandit Nilakantha Das, Pandit Godabarisha Mishra and Pandit Krupasindhu Mishra - popularly known as Pancha Sakha, the Bakula Bana Vidyalaya was known as an ideal centre of learning in pre-independence Odisha

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