Government to upgrade 20 universities to 'world class': Modi

New Delhi, Aug 15 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said his government plans to invest Rs 1,000 crore to transform 20 universities into "world class" educational institutions.

In his Independence Day address from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort here, Modi said the government had taken an important step "to grant the universities freedom from restrictions to make them world class universities".

"We have asked 20 universities to decide their own destiny. The government will not interfere in their functioning. Besides, the government is willing to provide funds up to Rs 1,000 crore," Modi said.

"We have appealed to them and I am confident that the education institutions of our country will certainly come forward and make it a success."

He added that the government had set up six IITs, seven new IIMs and eight new IIITs over the last three years.

"We have also done the groundwork for linking education with job opportunities," he said.