Jawahar Thakur Slams Move to Shift parts of IIT Mandi to Palampur

Mandi: Former MLA of Drang constituency, Jawahar Thakur, has launched a scathing attack on the proposed shifting of certain trades from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi to Palampur, calling it a direct insult to the people of Mandi and a politically motivated move to dilute the district’s significance.

Thakur, while addressing media, made it clear that such a move, executed without public consultation or approval from local stakeholders, will be resisted at all levels, including legal action if necessary. “How can a centrally governed institution like IIT Mandi be bifurcated or shifted partially to another district without the knowledge or consent of the people of Mandi? What kind of governance model is this where decisions are made behind closed doors?” he asked angrily.

Mandi: Ignored and Betrayed

Thakur pointed out that Mandi, the second-largest district in Himachal Pradesh, has consistently been politically sidelined over the past two years. “There’s been a deliberate attempt to push Mandi into irrelevance. Our leaders — especially those in the ruling party — who once claimed credit for bringing IIT to Mandi, are now sitting in silence as this historic institution is being sliced up.”

He warned that the silence of BJP leaders, both in the state and at the Centre, reflects a dangerous complacency or complicity. “The people of Mandi will not forget this betrayal. It’s shocking that those who boast about development are now presiding over this systematic dismantling of the district’s identity,” Thakur said.

Palampur Already Has Institutions – Why Cannibalize Mandi?

Questioning the rationale of shifting IIT trades to Palampur, Thakur said, “Kangra already has enough major institutions — why this obsession with centralizing everything there? This is not development, this is resource capture. Palampur is being handed what rightfully belongs to Mandi.”

According to reports, the plan is to set up an extension center in Palampur on 52 hectares of land, with programs in Artificial Intelligence, Drone Technology, and Sustainable Technologies. Thakur countered this by saying, “If the issue is land, let the record show that there’s ample land available in and around Kamand. This excuse doesn’t hold ground.”

Facts and Figures on Land Availability

Thakur laid down the facts clearly, citing land availability in Mandi district that can easily accommodate any expansion plans:
• 2205 bighas of land had originally been provided by the state government for IIT Mandi.
• Out of this, 68 bighas at Ghera Farm still remain unused.
• 143 bighas adjoining the South Block have already cleared FRA formalities.
• Additional land available includes:
• 322 bighas in Badaun,
• 52 bighas in Tihri,
• 198 bighas in Solang,
• 727 bighas in Kalang,
• 221 bighas in Kahara.

“These are not small patches — we’re talking about over 1700 bighas of government-owned land in the vicinity of IIT Mandi. So where exactly is the problem? The only explanation left is political discrimination,” Thakur asserted.

IIT Mandi Is Not Just Infrastructure, It’s Mandi’s Pride

Calling IIT Mandi an international-level institution that put the region on the global academic map, Thakur said, “We fought hard to bring this institution here. It was a matter of pride for Mandi. Now, this pride is being quietly shifted, bit by bit, to another district, and our own representatives are watching in silence.

Thakur further revealed that he will be writing a detailed letter to the Union Minister for Human Resource Development, seeking an immediate halt to this process and demanding accountability. He also said he is in the process of filing Right to Information (RTI) requests to get a full status report on land usage by IIT Mandi and the legality of the proposed move to Palampur.

Ready for Legal Battle

If this process isn’t stopped, I will not hesitate to take this matter to court,” Thakur warned. “We will fight — politically, legally, and publicly — until this injustice is reversed. Mandi deserves better. This is not just about an institution; it’s about the respect and recognition of our district and its people.

Thakur concluded by urging the people of Mandi to stay united and vigilant. “This is a test of our collective resolve. If we remain silent today, we will lose more than an IIT — we will lose our voice.