Ranchi, Jan 1: The Central University of Jharkhand’s thrust area on study of tribal culture and society has received a shot in the arm with the University Grant Commission approving of establishment of prestigious Babu Jagjivan Ram Chair under General Development Assistance (Plan) at the CUJ.

The Chair for “Tribal Studies” stands at an estimated cost of Rs 1.78 crore of which Rs 25 lakh has been sanctioned as first installment for the year 2013-2014. The approval for the Chair is for five years.

The CUJ since its inception in 2009, has identified the School for the Study of Culture as thrust area akin to culturally rich state of Jharkhand. The School has now four Centres: Centre for Indigenous Culture Studies, Centre for Tribal and Customary Law, Centre for Tribal Folklore Language and Literature, Centre for Music and Performing Arts.

In a major recognition, the Supreme Court recently referred a case to Centre for Tribal and Customary Law directing the parties concerned to arrive at an amicable settlement.

In the past two consecutive years the University has held festivals with tribal culture as exclusive theme titled “Akhra” in which seven foreign countries took part. Besides more than 40 teams across the country participated in the festival that continued for three days.