The state government on Tuesday allotted five acres in New Town to IIM Calcutta to build a satellite campus to resolve space crunch on the institute’s lone campus in Joka.

The IIM authorities had applied for land last year as there was no way that the Joka campus could be expanded, a government official said. The institute gave up its lone rented facility in central Calcutta a few years ago.

“We are going to build a satellite campus with this land to strengthen our programme for international outreach. This campus will help us in that endeavour. We can move some of the smaller programmes there,” said director Anju Seth.

A professor of the institute said although the campus in Joka is spread over 135 acres, the seven lakes on the campus consumed 65 acres of land.

“Our campus is known as the seven-lake campus. Over the years, the student strength has increased. The Centre has also introduced a quota for the economically backward section in the general category for the four degree programmes. We are facing a shortage of space,” he said.

The Union Cabinet had in January 2019 approved a 10 per cent reservation in jobs and in educational institutions for the economically backward section in the general category.

This is applicable to all central institutes, including the IIMs. IIM-C was among the first batch of premier B-schools to implement the provision. “The government had been pushing for implementation of the 10 per cent increase in quota within the next two years,” said an official.

To increase student intake, IIM-C will have to build an adequate number of hostels, additional classrooms and faculty offices to enhance academic infrastructure.

“If these facilities are to be developed at Joka, some of the smaller programmes would have to be shifted to create space,” the professor said.

Shrikrishna Kulkarni, the chairperson, board of governors of IIM Calcutta, said: “IIM Calcutta is the first and oldest IIM in the country. It is an asset not only for Bengal, but also for the nation. By having a presence in New Town, one of the most futuristic townships in India, IIM Calcutta will secure growth opportunities which are paramount for global eminence.”