Evolution of CRIKC
The idea of having knowledge cluster/hub has its genesis in the 'Narayan Murthy Report' April 2012, commissioned by Planning Commission on corporate participation in 'higher education'. This also finds echoed in the 'Knowledge Commission Report' of GOI. Further, the idea of having alliances between institutions of higher education and research, in and around a given city, also finds reference in the 12th Plan Document of Government of India. The idea of having knowledge cluster/hub is also inclusive of the 'Meta-University' concept, being advocated by MHRD, GOI in its RUSA document. Furthermore, 'Science, Technology and Innovative (STI) 2013 policy' of GOI also refers to clusters/hubs as tools for innovations. The Sam Pitroda report has also underlined the development of excellence in educational and research institutions facilitating innovation and knowledge cluster.
Keeping these broad ideas in mind, several rounds of meetings involving heads and/or their representatives have been held, involving institutions of higher education and research in and around Chandigarh. In one of the meetings held on 24th November 2012 at Panjab University, it was agreed to name the knowledge cluster/hub as Chandigarh Region Innovation and Knowledge Cluster (CRIKC). This idea has received support from the local MP, Shri Pawan Bansal, who has agreed to release funds to the tune of Rs. 1 crore out of MPLAD scheme to realize few steps towards its creation, the first installment of Rs. 37 Lakhs was received by Panjab University in March 2013.
Presentation at MHRD
A presentation about CRIKC was made by Professor Arun Grover, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University, at MHRD, New Delhi on 18 July 2013. The entire idea received good deal of support from the Secretary, MHRD and his colleagues.