New Delhi: Two new ordinances, one each for the 8 new Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and 16 new Central Universities are being planned by the Central Government to fast-track the establishment of these institutes.

Under the Draft Ordinance, the upgradation of four universities including the Bilaspur University (Chhattisgarh), Garhwal University (Uttarakhand), Goa University (Goa) and Dr. Harisingh Gour University, Sagar (Madhya Pradesh) to a Central University, along with the setting up of 12 new central universities, has been proposed.

Once the Union Cabinet approves the draft ordinance, the total number of central universities will go up to 37.

The Centre has already provided Rs.2000 crores the 11th Plan for the new IITs, out of which Rs.50 crores has been sanctioned in this year's budget.

Rs.2,275 crores has been sanctioned by the Government for the Central Universities in the 11th plan with Rs.50 crores allocated in the 2008 Budget.