India, Nov. 8 -- Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday laid the foundation stone for the Swahid Kanaklata Barua State University, Assam's first institution dedicated exclusively to technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

"Where she (Kanaklata) became the martyr for this country, gave her life for India's independence, nothing better than building a university in her name. I congratulate the Chief Minister and his entire cabinet," Sitharaman said during the programme.

The landmark project aims to boost skill-based higher education and foster innovation-driven growth in the region.

The university will be constructed at a cost of ?415 crore over 241 acres of land at Bholaguri in Gohpur, Biswanath district. W...