Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, Union Minister of Education Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, Union Minister of State for Education Sanjay Dhotre and Union Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs Anurag Singh Thakur today laid foundation stone of Indian Institute of Management (IIM) at Dhaula Kuan in Sirmour district today through video conferencing. First phase of this Institute would be completed by spending an amount of Rs. 392.51 crore. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister said that the IIM was provided to Himachal Pradesh in the year 2014 and since then the institute was slowly and steadily forging ahead to emerge as a premier institute of the region. He said that this institute situated in picturesque landscape and peaceful environment provides perfect ambience for the management students. Jai Ram Thakur said that the State can boast of a few best national institutes such as IIIT in Una, AIIMS in Bilaspur, Central University in Kangra, NIFT in Kangra. He said that this really makes Himachal Pradesh an ‘Education Hub’ of the Country. He also appreciated the efforts of the Management for designing the whole complex in traditional Himachali architecture. He said that on completion, this Institute would not only emerge as premier educational institute, but also an added attraction for the tourists. Chief Minister said that the campus placement of this institute have been outstanding. He expressed hope that in the coming times this institute would emerge as a quality institute of management studies in the region. Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ said that this Institute would prove a milestone in providing an opportunity to the hardworking youth of the State to improve their skills. He said that the Centre Government would provide all possible help to ensure that the institute emerges as a best institute of the region.
He said that the new courses started by the institute would open new horizons to the students. He said that better management was the key to success and this institute would help in effective management of the vast potential available in the State.Ramesh Pokhriyal said that the immense natural potential of the State be it Tourism, Power, Industrial, eco tourism etc. need effective management and this institute would prove a boon in this direction. He said that the new Education Policy would help India in regaining old glory of ‘Vishava Guru’. He said that the IIMs and IITs of our country were amongst the best educational institutions of the world. He said that the new Education Policy would ensure that students get quality education within the country. He said that this would also check the exodus of students to other countries for getting higher education. Union Minister of State for Education Sanjay Dhotre said that the IIM Sirmour would definitely emerge as a best institute of management in the coming years. He said that this institute would provide ample opportunities for skilling the best brains of the country. He said that the courses of Tourism and Hospitality being started in the institute would definitely help the youth of the region to fully harness the tourism and hospitality sector of the State. Union Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs Anurag Singh Thakur said the IIM was the biggest gift from the Union Government to the State in general and for Sirmour district in particular. He thanked the Union Education Minister for the new Education Policy which would go a long way in making education more employment and self employment oriented. He expressed hope that within next ten years the IIM Sirmour would emerge as the premier institute of the country.A presentation on layout plan and showcasing of walkthrough was also organized on the occasion.Chairman Board of Governor Ajay S. Shriram welcomed the Chief Minister Union Education Minister and other dignitaries present of the occasion.Director IIM Sirmour Neelu Rohmetra presented vote of thanks.Education Minister Govind Singh Thakur, Member of Parliament Suresh Kashyap, MLA Dr Rajiv Bindal, Vice Chairman State Civil Supplies Corporation Baldev Tomar were present on the occasion among others at the venue.