Only 30 to 35 percent work completed
Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, Mar 1: The slow pace of construction work on two degree college buildings in Jammu district is adversely affecting academic activities of students.
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The constant delay in construction work of Government Degree College, Bhagwati Nagar and Government Degree College, Marh has been viewed seriously by the students, their parents as well as the public representatives of the respective areas who accuse the authorities of not taking prompt steps in construction of college buildings and have given a raw deal to constructing agencies hitting the academic activities in the twin colleges to a great extent.
According to sources, the construction work of Degree College Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu West Assembly segment and another in Datriyal in Marh Assembly segment is going at snail’s pace and have since passed the deadline of completion date, but the authorities at the helm of affairs are not bothered for the same.
Sources while referring to an official communication issued to the executing agency, said that building of Degree College Bhagwati Nagar was originally scheduled to be completed by December 2023, but even after the lapse of more than two additional years, only about 35-40 percent of the construction work has been completed. “This reflects sheer indifference on the part of both the executing agency and the construction company, causing severe hardship to the institution and its students,” sources added.
Sources said due to the incomplete infrastructure, the College is functioning with very limited classrooms and practically no computer laboratory or smart classroom facilities. “Such deficiencies are directly impacting the academic environment and future career prospects of students. This is unacceptable in an era where quality education and modern infrastructure are basic requirements,” sources said.
Quoting financial details, the sources pointed out that as per the BEAMS report, the College has transferred Rs 8.20 crore to the Housing Board so far, while the utilization certificate reflects expenditure of only Rs 5.11 crore. “There is a clear gap in utilization of funds. Complete details regarding the remaining amount must be provided immediately, and any unutilized funds should be surrendered without delay,” sources added.
Terming it a matter of utmost urgency, sources said the students cannot be made to suffer due to administrative apathy and lack of accountability. The Government needs to act and fix the responsibility or penalize the Executing agency for delaying the construction, sources added.
Admitting that only 40 percent of the work has completed the Principal of the Bhagwati Nagar Degree College, Neeru Abrol said that there was a deadline of handing over of building by the constructing agency to the college authorities by December 2023 and over two years have elapsed but only 40 percent work has been completed.
He however said that at present work is going on in full swing on ground floor of the building.
The Principal said presently only three streams are being taught in college i.e Political Science Commerce and Sociology and the College has a strength of 180 students.
He said the Science stream was also sanctioned for the college but later Jammu University did not allow it till all infrastructural facilities including building is constructed for the College.
“I will continue to pursue this issue until the project is completed and the college gets the infrastructure it deserves,” said MLA Jammu West, Arvind Gupta who has shown his serious concern over constant delay of the building saying students are facing many hardships.
He called upon the Government and executing agencies to fix responsibility, ensure transparency, and complete the project in a time-bound manner in the larger interest of students and the education sector
Arvind Gupta, during his visit to College recently, has expressed serious concern over the prolonged delay in the construction of the building of the College, stating that the slow pace of work is adversely affecting students and academic activities.
He further urged the concerned authorities to expedite the construction work on priority and submit a clear status report along with financial reconciliation at the earliest. He warned that continued delay could force the authorities to consider foreclosure of the project to avoid further financial liabilities.
GDC Datriyal in Marh constituency the foundation of which was laid way back in year 2019 has also not seen the light of the day as only 30 to 35 percent work of the college building has been completed till date. The work on this building is also going on snail’s pace. Thirty to 35 percent work has been completed of the college building and the college lacks staff, said MLA Marh, Surinder Bhagat.
300 students are on roll. Principal said the work started last year and 30 to 35 percent has been completed. However the MLA disputed this claim and said the foundation was laid in year 2019. The Principal of the College said 360 students are on the roll of the College. She said the estimated cost of the work was Rs 1141.00 lakh while tendered work is 760 lakh, she added.
MLA Marh, while showing concern said that he took up the issue with higher-ups in Education Department but to no avail. He said even the issue was raised by him in Assembly turning the attention of Government towards the sufferings of students due to lack of infrastructure and building.
He appealed the authorities of Higher Education to grill the agency entrusted with the construction of College building, so that there is no further delay in construction work, and students were not put to further trouble.
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