Gandhinagar: Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel laid the foundation stone for a new state-of-the-art campus building and hostel of the Indian Institute of Teacher Education (IITE) in Gandhinagar. The project, estimated at ₹127 crore, aims to significantly expand the institution’s academic and residential infrastructure.
The event was held in the presence of Education Minister Dr. Pradyuman Vaja, Minister of State for Higher and Technical Education Trikam Chhanga, and Minister of State Rivaba Jadeja.
Modern Infrastructure Planned Under ₹127 Crore Project
The upcoming IITE campus will include a comprehensive set of modern facilities designed to strengthen teacher education and academic research. The proposed infrastructure includes:
- Advanced academic and faculty buildings
- Modern science laboratories
- Seminar halls and conference facilities
- A state-of-the-art library
- An educational museum
- Sports grounds and playgrounds for multiple disciplines
- A fully equipped hostel for over 600 male and female students
Officials stated that the campus is being designed to support holistic education, innovation, and multidisciplinary learning.
Focus on Nation-Building Through Quality Teacher Education
Addressing the gathering, Education Minister Dr. Pradyuman Vaja said the foundation stone marks “not merely the beginning of a new building but the dawn of a new era” in developing outstanding educators.
He emphasized that institutions like IITE are being shaped to prepare not just teachers but “nation-builders” who can contribute to India’s global educational leadership. He also highlighted that the institute is being strengthened to produce highly qualified educators for both India and international platforms.
IITE Expansion Aligned with NEP 2020 Vision
The minister further noted that Gujarat is emerging as a leading state in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The policy promotes multidisciplinary education, research, innovation, and skill-based learning.
In alignment with this vision:
- IITE is being developed as a multidisciplinary university
- Seven new university schools have already been established
- The focus is on integrating diverse academic disciplines
- Research-driven and skill-based learning is being strengthened
The minister stated that the expansion will help transform teaching practices and educational philosophy across the country.
₹127 Crore Government Grant for Holistic Development
The government has sanctioned a ₹127 crore grant for the overall development of the institute. This funding will support the construction of:
- New academic blocks
- Faculty development infrastructure
- Advanced classrooms
- Modern research and laboratory facilities
- Sports and recreational facilities
- Student hostel with modern amenities
Officials said the project reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening higher education infrastructure in Gujarat.
Tribute to Teachers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi
During the ceremony, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also paid tribute to and felicitated the teachers of B.N. High School, Vadnagar, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi received his early education.
The gesture highlighted the importance of teachers in shaping leadership and nation-building.
Digital Launch of ITEP Curriculum
As part of the programme, the Education Minister and other dignitaries digitally launched the ITEP (Integrated Teacher Education Programme) curriculum. The initiative is expected to modernize teacher training and improve the quality of education delivery.
Dignitaries and Attendees
The foundation stone laying ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including:
- Gandhinagar Mayor Smt. Mira Patel
- Rajya Sabha MP Shri Rajesh Shukla
- Professors and academic heads of IITE
- Directors and principals from educational institutions
- Students of the institute
Vision for “Viksit Gujarat” and “Viksit Bharat”
Speakers at the event emphasized that the new campus will contribute to the broader vision of a “Viksit Gujarat” supporting the national goal of a “Viksit Bharat”. The project is expected to enhance teacher education standards and strengthen India’s position in global education systems.
