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Bangalore University (BU) has yet again revived its proposal to establish Dr Sitaram Jindal School of Economics (SJSE) in partnership with the Jindal Group.

Several attempts to establish the school in the past had to be put on the back burner in the face of stiff resistance from various sections of society. A few months ago, BU had dropped this project after a couple of student organizations protested against it, alleging that there was a plot to sell BU land to the Jindal Group (JG). The school was to be administered by JG, the students had alleged.

Earlier in 2011, BU had proposed to set up SJSE on the lines of London School of Economics. JG, however, backed out of the project alleging malicious propaganda against it by vested interests.

According to a senior BU official, a fresh proposal has now been sent to the government to establish SJSE. JG will only construct the building in Jnana Bharathi campus. Once the SJSE begins functioning, it'll be completely administered by BU.

The project estimated to cost Rs 100 crore will have SJSE offering undergraduate, postgraduate and integrated programmes. The present economics teachers of BU will work with the school and the syllabus may be upgraded.

One person from JG will be a member of the advisory committee and board of studies. Also, in each programme, five seats will be reserved for JG which will go to poor girl students; JG will fund their education. The official said SJSE will follow the existing fee structure of economics programmes of BU.

SJSE will also work as research centre for economics, adopting the latest methodologies and concepts of global and regional relevance. Apart from classrooms, it'll have boys and girls hostels and JG will provide furniture and other facilities for students.

Said B Thimme Gowda, vice-chancellor, BU: "Some miscreants are spreading rumours. We are not selling or leasing the land to Jindal Group. The school will be completely governed by us. We are waiting for the government's response to start the project."