Bhubaneswar, April 3, 2017: The Odisha government on Monday signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) with University of Chicago and University of Chicago Trust in India.

The SoI was signed with a view to facilitate new research, knowledge and capacity building in several areas.

"One of the objectives of entering this collaboration will also be to seek expertise in setting up a virtual academy for digitisation, preservation and improved access of archival material of Odia language and culture," said Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who was present at the signing of SoI.

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The cooperation between the state government and University of Chicago would also deal with research, monitoring and impact evaluation and pilot project implementation in the sectors of energy, environment, health, water and sanitation.

Patnaik said these initiatives would go a long way in preserving invaluable lingual and cultural heritage and resources of Odisha and also in providing better solutions to basic needs of the people. (IANS)