Delhi: Delhi will soon add another feather in its cap. The national capital will have an international university to be christened SAARC University.

"The university is the result of India's promise to the SAARC nations that a world class university will be set up in the national capital," said a senior official from Delhi government.

Great help

The foundation stone of the university was laid by Delhi's Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit in Mayur Vihar on Sunday in front of a huge gathering attended by other top leaders. She also said that such project would be a great help in the upliftment of the backward areas of the east Delhi.

"Government was fully conscious of developmental needs of the Trans Yamuna area and was committed to fulfilling them in earnest," she said.

East is best

She added that the past few years had witnessed coming up of super specialty hospitals, community centres and cultural centres in the area and with the growth catalysed by the proposed construction of the Commonwealth Games Village in the area, East Delhi was expected to be on a par with any other developed area of the Capital.

Community centre

East Delhi MP Sandeep Dikshit, area MLA Amrish Gautam, Chairman Trans Yamuna Area Development Board Dr Narendra Nath were among those present on the occasion.

Foundation stone for a community centre was also laid down in the area at the cost of Rs 112 lakh within a period of one year.

Vote of thanks

Area MP Sandeep Dikshit in his address congratulated and thanked Delhi Government and the Trans Yamuna Development Board for supporting the cause of development in the area.
 
He expressed the hope that the Community Centre in these areas will serve the social and cultural needs of the local residents.