The Telegraph report published on August 26

The state government has allotted the Rajgir Convention Centre to Nalanda University for a month, paving the way for its smooth launch.

The orientation programme of the varsity’s first-batch students would be conducted at the convention centre on Friday. The classes would take-off from the same venue on September 1.

The Telegraph had published a report on the varsity pitching for the Rajgir International Convention Centre as an alternative venue for lectures in its August 26, 2014 edition. The same day, the varsity authorities approached the Nalanda district administration for its allotment.

Confirming the development, Nalanda district magistrate Kartikey D. Budhdhabhatti said: “The university administration approached the district magistrate’s office on Tuesday for allotting the Rajgir International Convention Centre to them for conducting the varsity’s maiden orientation programme and classes. Based on the request, we have decided to allot the convention centre to the varsity. The convention centre has been allotted to Nalanda University for a month based on the government rules and tariff. Nalanda University vice-chancellor Gopa Sabharwal also confirmed allotment of the convention centre to the university.

Sbharwal said: “The orientation programme of the first-batch of Nalanda University would be conducted at the Rajgir International Convention Centre. The classes would also commence from there.”

The varsity authorities mooted the option of the convention centre to ensure students could concentrate on studies without any disturbance right from the beginning. An official said the finishing touches being given to the classrooms on the first floor of the makeshift campus could divert the attention of students. So, the idea was floated.

Besides the convention centre, the university has the option of conducting classes on the makeshift campus and at Hotel Tathagat Vihar, which would serve as a hostel.