Location of First IIT
It is widely believed in Orissa that the first IIT was to be established in Balasore. However due to some misunderstanding on the part of the state government, land could not be procured for the project and the first IIT was thus moved to Kharagpur. The proximity of Kharagpur to Orissa is cited as proof of the theory that the government of India actually intended the first IIT for Orissa. A similar theory is held in favour in Andhra Pradesh regarding IIT Madras. Both theories are highly controversial but reflect the dissatisfaction of the people of those states, especially Orissa in the allocation made by the central government in the field of higher education. An institution like IIT is a matter of honour for the home state and also a large investment. IIT Kharagpur for example, is a crucial element of Kharagpur's economy.
Read more about this topic: Higher Education Controversy In Orissa