Flaws greet ministers on BU campus

Higher Education Minister C T Ravi, Law Minister Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary to Higher Education Siddaiah conducted an inspection of the various facilities at the Jnanabharati campus of the Bangalore University on Saturday. 

 Siddaiah and Suresh Kumar, alumni of the university, said their sentiments were “hurt” seeing the plight of the campus.  Students at the women’s hostel listed out loopholes galore. For 600 students, there are only four toilets. Of these, only two can be used. Electricity points have no earthing and the switch boards give an electric shock. Chandrakanti, the warden, said she had resigned unable to manage the mess. The ceilings have developed cracks and the window panes are missing.

Poor infrastructure The men’s hostel is in no better state. Blocked toilets, cobwebs and dilapidated rooms greeted the ministers. Students asked the ministers to provide better infrastructure immediately.  When asked about the quality of food provided in the hostels, officials said they get only Rs 35 per student per day.  The construction work for a new men’s hostel, at a cost of Rs 1.6 crore, began four years ago and was stopped midway, the ministers were told. When the chief engineer was asked about this, he had no convincing reply.  Ravi pulled him up for his “irresponsibility” and he was asked to furnish all the bills immediately.  Another building meant for performing arts too is half-complete. The ministers asked the officials as to what was happening to all the funds released. They just got silence in reply.  “The problem is deep rooted and there is no immediate solution. With this inspection, we have initiated steps towards change,” Ravi told reporters.  He said they would bring the matter to the notice of the chief minister and would request the governor to intervene and provide a solution.  The vice chancellor and registrar remained tight-lipped on the visit.