The Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing at Kancheepuram is all set to become an institution of national importance with Parliament on Thursday approving a bill in this regard.

The bill, which will enable growth of the institute by granting more autonomy in academic and financial matters, was passed in the Lok Sabha after a brief debate. It has already been passed by the Upper House.

The institute, set up in 2007, has been imparting inter-disciplinary academic and research programme that integrates engineering design, manufacturing and management in information technology.

Replying to a debate on the bill, HRD Minister Kapil Sibal said there was need for more such institutes particularly in backward states like Orissa, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan besides Jammu and Kashmir and the northeast.

He said if the state governments wanted to set up such institutes, the Centre would provide all assistance. Noting that technology was advancing day by day, he said there should be a system to upgrade teachers with latest knowledge in the area to make the faculty competent.

The new legislation will also facilitate awarding of degrees on time. The Government had earlier brought an ordinance on June 20 to declare it an institute of national importance. The bill would replace the ordinance.