By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, November 30, 2015 : The Odisha government on Monday signed a MoU with the Indian Institute of Technology, here to set up a centre for management, training and research (MTR) on rural roads inside the IIT campus at an estimated cost of Rs 8 crore.

The centre will have a 60-seat hostel facility for the training of engineers from various engineering departments of the state government. The state government also will provide Rs one crore annually to the IIT-Bhubaneswar through Rural Development department for running and maintenance of the centre.

“Development of infrastructure is one of the top priorities of the state government and we need engineers with excellent technical skills for improving the standard and quality of infrastructure project in the state. Regular upgradation of knowledge will no doubt enhance the professional skills of our technocrats”, chief minister Naveen Patnaik who was present on the occasion, said.

Engineers from rural development, works, water resources, panchayati raj and housing and urban development departments will be provided regular training at this centre.

Among others, Rural Development minister Badri Narayan Patra, chief secretary AP Padhi, Development Commissioner and additional chief secretary (Finance) R Balakrishnan, principal secretary, Rural Development, PK Mohapatra, director, IIT-Bhubaneswar and senior officials were also present.