The proposed IIM in Bodhagaya has come as an opportunity for Magadh University to solve the land encroachment problem it has been facing for years.

The university administration recently constituted a seven-member committee to look into the encroached land, which can be given to the state government for setting up the IIM.

The committee's primary work is to identify encroached land. After identification, the university will submit its report to the district administration for removing encroachment. Sources said once the land is free from encroachment, the university will urge the state government to take possession of it for setting up proposed IIM campus.

The committee, being headed by Magadh University pro-vice-chancellor Kriteshwar Prasad, will have inspector of college, controller of examination and director (directorate of distance education), presidents and secretaries of university teaching and non-teaching associations.

According to sources, the university has around 80 acres of land on its western side of which around 35 acres have been encroached and the varsity has no information about the land deed documents.

Prasad said: "Once the encroached land is free, the university will have no problems in giving land to set up the B-school. Also, there will be no protest from either the teaching or non-teaching associations in handing over the encroached land to the government."

The official added that in the present context, giving huge tracts of land - the Centre asked the state government to identify 200 acres for the IIM - for setting up another educational campus is not feasible. In Ranchi, the IIM has been set up on only 65 acres.

The sources said by throwing the ball for setting up the IIM on the encroached western side, the university wants to pacify those who are protesting against giving land for B-school. There is protest over handing over land for the IIM as vacant land on the campus will be required in view of future expansion plans. At present, one building accommodates three to four courses for which separate buildings are required. It is also necessary for the NAAC grading. Recently, University Grants Commission (UGC) has invited proposals for collaboration with US universities. The university has already good number of foreign students enrolled in the Buddhist studies department. Being largest university in terms of campus in the state, the MU has potential for collaboration. National or international events like science congress could be organised here also, said one of the university officials.