In a major push towards inclusive education and innovation, the Chhattisgarh government has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur, the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Raipur, and the Motilal Oswal Foundation. This strategic partnership aims to usher in a transformative era for education, innovation, and skill development in the state.
Also Read: Chhattisgarh Ushers in New Era of Innovation and Skill Development with Historic Tripartite MoU
The MoU was formalised in the presence of Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai in Raipur. According to the agreement, construction of a state-of-the-art Entrepreneurship Centre will begin in 2025–26, with full operational status targeted by 2027–28.
‘Revolution Will Reach Every Village’: CM Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai
Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai called the MoU a major milestone in achieving the objectives of the Chhattisgarh Anjor Vision. He stated that the initiative will bring about a revolution in education, skill development, and innovation, empowering youth across the state’s rural and urban areas.
“This collaboration is not limited to IIM or NIT students,” said Mr. Sai. “The upcoming Shrimati Mithilesh Agrawal Centre for Innovation and Excellence in Entrepreneurship will serve young minds from every village, offering platforms for research, experimentation, and business development.”
Mr. Sai also encouraged active participation from industries, emphasising the need for a collective effort to enhance the state’s education and skills ecosystem.
From Resource-Based to Innovation-Driven Economy
Highlighting the broader vision, Mr. Sai affirmed that Chhattisgarh is transitioning from a resource-dependent economy to one driven by innovation and advanced technologies. He noted the state’s expanding interest in emerging sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, green hydrogen, defence, aerospace, and pharmaceuticals.
“In the last 20 months, Chhattisgarh has introduced over 350 reforms, creating a highly favourable investment climate,” Mr. Sai added. “We must pledge to transform Chhattisgarh into a hub of innovation, where entrepreneurship defines progress and youth lead the charge.”
Mr. Ramdeo Agrawal Announces Country’s Largest Farmer Training Centre
Mr. Ramdeo Agrawal, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Motilal Oswal Foundation, announced plans to set up the nation’s largest farmer training centre in Raipur. He described Chhattisgarh as a state with immense untapped potential and reiterated the foundation’s long-term commitment to its development.
The foundation will allocate 10% of its total funds to social impact initiatives focused on education, skill development, and agriculture.
Rs 172 Crore Investment from Motilal Oswal Foundation
In a significant financial boost to the project, the Motilal Oswal Foundation declared a donation of Rs 172 crore—Rs 101 crore for IIM Raipur and Rs 71 crore for NIT Raipur.
At IIM Raipur, the funds will support the development of:
- A 202-room Oswal Hostel
- Dau Ram Gopal Agrawal Knowledge Centre
- Six new international MBA programmes in collaboration with leading institutions from the US, UK, France, and Germany.
At NIT Raipur, the Shrimati Mithilesh Agrawal Centre of Excellence will be established, focusing on:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Robotics
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Blockchain
- Clean Energy
This centre is projected to train over 10,000 youth by 2030, incubate more than 250 startups, and create over 5,000 skilled jobs, aligning with the region’s industrial strengths in mining, steel, and manufacturing.
A Model for Nationwide Development
This partnership marks a turning point for Chhattisgarh, setting a new standard for how government, academia, and philanthropy can collaborate to foster inclusive growth. With a clear roadmap and substantial backing, the initiative is poised to transform the educational and industrial landscape of the state—one village, one youth, and one innovation at a time.
