Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Tewari Seeks Chandigarh University for Semiconductor Research and Robotics
Manish Tewari asked India’s vice president to create a new university in Chandigarh.
He wants it to teach and research semiconductors and robotics.
These are important technologies used in many modern machines and industries.
Tewari said North India does not have a university dedicated to these subjects.
He also said India needs stronger connections between universities, laboratories, businesses, factories and markets.
The vice president did not promise a separate new university.
Instead, he said Panjab University could add the latest scientific subjects.
He noted that the central government already provides most of the university’s funding.
He said he wanted Panjab University to become one of the best universities in India and the world.
Congress MP Manish Tewari urged Vice President C P Radhakrishnan to establish a fully funded central university in Chandigarh for semiconductor research and robotics.
Tewari said the institution would build India’s capacity in critical technologies and address the absence of such a facility in North India.
He cited a recently approved Rs 730-crore central university in Andhra Pradesh focused on artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
Radhakrishnan said Panjab University already receives 80 per cent of its funding from the central government and 20 per cent from the state government.
Radhakrishnan said he would work to include the latest scientific subjects within Panjab University and develop it into a globally leading institution.
- Who
- Congress MP Manish Tewari made the request to Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, with Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Haryana Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh present.
- What
- Tewari sought a fully funded central university in Chandigarh dedicated to semiconductor research and robotics; Radhakrishnan responded by proposing expanded scientific subjects within Panjab University.
- When
- The event took place on Friday, September 4; the year is not specified in the report.
- Where
- Panjab University in Chandigarh, with references to Mohali, Punjab and Haryana.
- Why
- Tewari said India needs greater research capacity in critical and cutting-edge technologies, while Radhakrishnan emphasized strengthening Panjab University.
Separate Central University Proposal
Expansion Within Panjab University
Institutional approach
Separate Central University Proposal
Tewari argued that Chandigarh needs a dedicated, fully funded central university for semiconductor research and robotics, saying no such facility exists in North India.
Expansion Within Panjab University
Radhakrishnan did not commit to a separate university and said the latest scientific subjects should instead be included within Panjab University.
Funding and precedent
Separate Central University Proposal
Tewari pointed to the recently approved Rs 730-crore central university in Andhra Pradesh as an example of support for specialized technology education.
Expansion Within Panjab University
Radhakrishnan said Panjab University is already 80 per cent centrally funded and indicated that its existing structure could be strengthened.
- Proposal
- A fully funded central university in Chandigarh for semiconductor research and robotics.
- Requester
- Manish Tewari, Congress MP for Chandigarh.
- Respondent
- Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, who is also Panjab University’s chancellor.
- Funding comparison
- Tewari cited a Rs 730-crore central university for artificial intelligence and quantum computing in Andhra Pradesh.
- Panjab University funding
- The central government provides 80 per cent and the state government provides 20 per cent, according to Radhakrishnan.
- University event
- Radhakrishnan inaugurated an upgraded advanced instrumentation facility and the Panjab University Technology Innovation Forum.
- Technology concern
- Tewari said China leads in 67 of 74 internationally benchmarked critical technologies.