A School of Buddhist Studies, Philosophy and Comparative Religion has been launched by the leading Nalanda University. The primary aim behind the launch of the new school is to increase the enrolment of students in the university.
The Minister of State for the Ministry of External Affairs, Retired Gen. V.K. Singh, the university is also planning to incorporate improved accommodation facilities for the incoming students, starting in the academic year of 2017-18.
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A permanent campus of the university is already in the construction phase in Rajbir district of Bihar. Phase 1 of the project is likely to be completed by the year end of 2019 or the beginning of 2020. Architecture consultants have also been hired to fast-track the project. Interestingly, a lot of pre-fabricated structures are also being considered to be used wherever possible so that the completion target is met well in time.
Nalanda University was established in the year 2010. The first meeting of the university was held with the new governing board recently on 10th February 2017. It was evaluated that the number of students who have so far enrolled in the university since its inception has been quite inadequate.
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In 2014-15, the number of students in the university was 12 which increased to about 62 in the year 2015-16. Further, it was more than doubled with 130 students enrolling in the year 2016-17. In order to attract more students, the new school has been launched so that the growth of the university is given the much-needed push.
Additionally, according to sources, the university is also planning to launch a School of Linguistic Studies in 2017-18 and a School of Public Health in the year 2018-19.