Transforming HAL with new energy! Government decides to establish ‘Aerospace University’

News Bharati    04-Jul-2019
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New Delhi, Jul. 4: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is the backbone of India's defense sector. But, due to some administrative problems and lack of enthusiasm, HAL is facing many problems. Now, giving new power to HAL, the government is taking some serious steps. 
 
The Expert Group under the Chairmanship of Mr. B.K. Chaturvedi, the then Member, Planning Commission constituted by the Government for restructuring and strengthening of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) had recommended setting up of an ‘Aerospace University’.
 

 
 
The recommendation has been accepted by the Government.
 
A Detailed Project Report (DPR) on the establishment of Aerospace University was prepared by a HAL established Society named ‘Society for HAL Aeronautics Research & Technologies Institute’ and approved by HAL Board.
 
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Mr. Shripad Naik in a written reply to Shri Ramcharan Bohra in Lok Sabha yesterday.
 
Subsequently, the DPR was reviewed in this Ministry and it was suggested that for the formation of the Institute through an Act of Parliament, the structure should be in line with relevant Rules, Regulations & Procedures in vogue in other Central Universities/Institutes.
 

HAL’s role would be facilitating the establishment of the proposed University and providing secretarial help. As regards managing the University/Institute, a separate well-defined model would be worked out.
 
In the above background, the HAL Board in its 409th Meeting held on 02.02.2018 has accorded approval for the following:-
 
  • HAL cannot consider setting up a Private University, even in collaboration with the other Organisations like DRDO, Private Industries, etc.
  • HAL may provide initial support & secretarial assistance for facilitating the establishment of the University, on the lines of a Central University. HAL will have no direct role in setting up/running of the proposed University/Institute.
  • HAL will authorize the Society of HAL Aeronautics Research and Technologies Institute to modify the relevant aspects of the DPR.
In view of the above, the Society of HAL Aeronautics Research and Technologies Institute was advised to revise the DPR suitably. The revised DPR with the name of the university as “Aeronautics Research & Technology University (ARTU)” has been submitted to the Government.
 
The time frame would depend on receipt of required clearances, approvals, etc. from the concerned Ministries/Agencies. Location can be decided based on the offer of land by the concerned State Government.
 
The requirement of approx. 200 acres of Land and Capital Expenditure of Rs. 592 crore is estimated for the establishment of the University, in the DPR.
 
The International Institutions to be associated with the proposed Institute have not yet been decided.