Calcutta: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee said on Friday she was confident that St. Xavier's University would emerge as one of the best universities of the world.

She said her government was ready to extend all possible help to the university.

"I want St. Xavier's University to become one of the best universities of the world. I am confident that the university will achieve this goal," the chief minister said while addressing a Christmas celebration organised by the St. Xavier's College (Calcutta) Alumni Association on the Park Street campus.

"I feel proud to see how St. Xavier's University is fast progressing... It has completed some of its schemes before time...

"Please let us (the government) know if you need any help from us. We are ready to offer any help to enable the university to grow as one of the best institutions of the world. We always appreciate the discipline, standard of teaching and learning and the quality of research maintained at St. Xavier's College and St. Xavier's University," Mamata said.

Speaking before her, Reverend Father Felix Raj, the vice-chancellor of St. Xavier's University, thanked the chief minister for her help to the two institutions.

"Setting up a university was our dream and this dream came true because of your (the chief minister) active and constant support," the vice-chancellor said.

He pointed out that the university was not a profit-making organisation and promised that no meritorious student would be denied admission to either institute - St. Xavier's College (Autonomous) and St. Xavier's University - for lacking money.

"No student with merit will be refused admission for not having the funds to study a course. Educational service is our primary motive and mission," he said.