The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi is planning to set up a “Knowledge Parkâ€? on its campus to promote active interaction of its faculty and students with Research and Development arms of knowledge based industries. 

According to a University press release, JNU has considerable expertise in the areas of information and biotechnologies. In addition university has a highly motivated student body, which represents the cream from the country since students are selected through stringent national tests. An interaction between the university brain pool and industries in these areas at this crucial phase of national development can make a lasting impact on the growth of these industries in the country. 

Knowledge Park in JNU will provide vast opportunities to JNU students in the form of internship opportunities and short term employment opportunities. Technology / Knowledge parks are coming up in most frontline universities all over the world. JNU can provide a lead in this area nationally and in this process make a unique and crucial contribution to nation building. Space / Laboratories created in the knowledge park will be leased out to frontline R&D companies in the areas of information technology, life sciences and biotechnology, social sciences, languages and other emerging technologies, for e.g. Robotics and Nanotechnologies. JNU will provide land for developing the knowledge park on its campus. Support facilities like computer network, administrative support and crucial research infrastructure will be available in “JNU Knowledge Park (JKP)â€?. The JKP will be under the administrative control of JNU and evolve as its integral part. 

While some seed money may be made available for JKP by UGC, basic funding for establishing JKP is expected to come from non-UGC sources, according to the university press note. Innovative ideas will be explored to rope in funding for JKP. Besides promoting interactions between academics and industry, JKP is expected to generate extra funds for JNU. These funds will be utilized for maintenance of JNU infrastructure, supporting numerous intra-university academic activities and support to needy students from weaker sections of society. While planning for the JKP, special care should be taken to ensure that the Park should have a positive impact on the environment in the campus. Green cover would increase and water bodies created. Optimal utilization of water resources would be planned. Wastewater treatment plants should be incorporated in the plan so that the wastewater after treatment can be used for horticultural purposes.