Arunachal Pradesh University expansion received strong backing from Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday, with the minister saying the existing 106-acre campus is not enough for the institution’s long-term growth. He called for additional land and modern facilities at the state university in Pasighat.
Rijiju made the remarks while addressing the ‘Vande Mataram @150’ celebration at Arunachal Pradesh University (APU). He also urged local legislators to take up a formal proposal for campus expansion with the state government and his office. India Today NE
Arunachal Pradesh University expansion needs more land
Rijiju said a university cannot develop effectively in a congested space. Therefore, he stressed that APU must secure more land to support its future academic and infrastructure requirements.
“The present 106 acres is not sufficient for Arunachal Pradesh University,” Rijiju said, according to reports from the event. He added that the campus needs to expand to accommodate modern teaching and learning facilities. India Today NE
The minister also called for long-term planning. He said the university should develop with a vision covering the next 100 years, rather than focusing only on its immediate infrastructure needs.
The remarks strengthen the focus on Arunachal Pradesh University expansion after Chief Minister Pema Khandu had also raised concerns over limited campus space earlier this year.
Khandu had already flagged land constraints
In January, Khandu described APU as a top priority for the state government and assured continued support for infrastructure and academic development. He said the university was initially planned on around 100 acres, but the available space appeared inadequate for future growth. Arunachal Times
The chief minister had urged local legislators, district officials and community leaders to help facilitate additional land. He also called for a review of the university’s master plan with professional architectural firms.
Khandu said the plan should support an institution with sufficient scope for infrastructure and academic expansion. He also envisioned a campus capable of attracting students from outside India. Arunachal Times
Rijiju promises support for expansion
Rijiju asked local representatives to submit a proposal on campus expansion to the state government and his office. He assured that both the Centre and the state would support efforts to strengthen the university.
His latest comments follow a meeting in New Delhi in April, when an APU delegation sought assistance for basic campus infrastructure and fellowship support for PhD scholars. Rijiju then assured the delegation of support on infrastructure matters and advised the university to submit proposals through the proper government channels. Arunachal Times
The development indicates continued attention from both state and central authorities towards APU’s institutional growth.
New facilities and wider academic needs
During Thursday’s programme, Rijiju inaugurated APU’s newly constructed main gate and student exhibition stalls. He also joined a tree plantation activity under the ‘Ek Ped Ek Bharat’ initiative. India Today NE
The university has been expanding its academic activities since it began its first academic session in August 2023. Its official materials state that its objectives include teaching, research, training and contributing to the socio-economic and cultural development of Arunachal Pradesh. Arunachal Pradesh University
However, expanding academic programmes requires corresponding investment in classrooms, laboratories, hostels, staff facilities, water supply and other essential infrastructure.
A long-term plan for APU
Rijiju also gave priority to a four-point memorandum submitted by the university. The memorandum sought three hostels, a Tribal Heritage Museum, dedicated water supply and a study on outreach among minority communities in Northeast India. India Today NE
These demands highlight the broader infrastructure needs facing the young state university.
The state government has already provided financial support for APU infrastructure. Budget documents have listed infrastructure development and grants for the university, including allocations for its Pasighat campus. arunachalplan.gov.in
Overall, the push for Arunachal Pradesh University expansion now has support from both the state and the Centre. With additional land, modern facilities and long-term planning, APU is expected to build the capacity needed for its future academic growth. India Today NE
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