Work on Padubidri PU college building incomplete

The construction work on the Government PU College building at Yermal Bada costing around Rs 30 lakh has remained incomplete for the last several years.

The work on the two-storeyed building of the college was sanctioned in 2006-07. The tender was passed for Rs 33 lakh and the work was initiated by the PWD. But, only the ground floor has been completed so far. The work halted as the contractors were not paid the dues. The building now wears a pathetic look.

Even though the school administration has requested the PWD officials there has been no response. Kaup MLA Lalaji R Mendon has spoken to the PWD engineer and the contractors, after carrying out a spot inspection.

The college is a composite college comprising of high school and PU classes.

A total of 33 students are studying in the high school section and 35 students in the PU section.

Students from Ucchila, Ermalu, Adamaru, Padubudri and Paniyuru were pursuing their studies in the composite college 10 years ago. The strength of the institution was 500 then. But, the number of students has dwindled over time. Therefore, the school development committee urged the concerned department to convert the new building into a students’ hostel.

PWD Assistant Executive Engineer Jagadish Bhat said that the contractors have been paid Rs 15 lakh so far. They have discontinued the construction work saying that they will not resume the work till the dues are paid.

“As students from other districts have been showing interest to study in Udupi, the demand for student hostels has increased. A proposal will be submitted to the government to utilise the new building towards hostel requirement. This will help to increase the admissions. Plans are made to complete the work on the building,” MLA Lalaji R Mendon said.