Govt approves raise of NIFT to implement OBC reservation

Government today approved the upgradation of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) campuses for implementation of reservation for students belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBC). The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also extended the timeline for utilisation of available balance fund of Rs 90.13 crore by two years up to March, 2017. "This will enable upgradation of facilities for implementation of OBC reservation in NIFT and operating the campuses more effectively and efficiently," an official statement said.

NIFT was set up by the Ministry of Textiles in 1986 as an autonomous society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 for imparting quality education in fashion technology. The institute has been running full time degree programmes through its 15 campuses located across the country. The upgradation will help create additional infrastructure facilities at existing campuses, construction of more class rooms, laboratories, hostel accommodation for students, purchase of machinery and equipments, among others.