(a) whether the Government has signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with State Government of Bihar to convert the Rajendra Agriculture University into a Central University;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the time by which the conversion of University is likely to be taken; and
(c) the benefit likely to be accrued by the conversion of the University?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (DR. SANJEEV KUMAR BALYAN)
(a) Yes, Madam.
(b) The Memorandum of under-standing (MoU) has been signed on 25.01.2015 between the Government of Bihar and the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Government of India for conversion of the Rajendra Agricultural University to the Rajendra Central Agricultural University. Necessary action for preparation of EFC, CCEA and Draft bill have been initiated.
(c) The conversion will not only meet the needs of the state but also contribute to national agriculture by providing focused attention towards measures that can be adopted to unleash the potential in the eastern region of India.