Far flung Motihari and Kasargod are likely to miss the opportunity to host new Central universities for their states. Unhappy with the state governments choice of location for the Central varsities promised,the Union Human Resource Ministry has conveyed that Motihari in Bihar and Kasargod in Kerala do not qualify to be desirable sites for such universities,as they lack physical and social infrastructure. The ministry is learnt to have asked the two states to come up with a fresh set of probable sites. While the state governments,various academics and development votaries have been arguing that the new institutes must be set up in relatively backward areas,as this will help in creation of new and additional infrastructure and boost economy,the Centre is clearly not of the same view. The ministry has argued that both Motihari and Kasargod have poor access and connectivity and lack infrastructure in the form of good schools,among other aspects,which are necessary to attract quality faculty. While Kasargod,located in the northern part of Kerala,has serious connectivity issues,Motihari in East Champaran in Bihar is considered a backward region. The ministry feels that establishing an institute in remote and under-developed area can work against the institute as it will fail to attract quality faculty and students. A case in point is the recent Central university at Koraput in Orissa,which is not finding it easy to attract reputed faculty. Lack of adequate facilities,coupled with the absence of good schools and hospitals are proving to be deterrents for the faculty who are reluctant to bring their families to such areas.
