Rs 7 cr allotted for PU's development schemes

PATNA: Lady luck seems to be smiling on Patna University (PU) which is preparing to celebrate its 93rd Foundation Day on Thursday. A massive
development plan of the university has been envisaged at an estimated cost of Rs 7 crore received from the UGC and the state government.

Giving details of the development schemes, PU vice-chancellor Shyam Lal said that while more than half a dozen new constructions have already been undertaken, the old, dilapidated buildings are being repaired and renovated. Since, most buildings of PU are of heritage value, the UGC as well as the state government have sanctioned necessary funds for their renovation.

The new building of Academic Staff College is under construction at Saidpur at an estimated cost of Rs 92 lakh. Another new building of biotechnology is being constructed at Science College at an estimated cost of Rs 20 lakh. Science College would also have a new indoor sports complex at an estimated cost of Rs 30 lakh, while its damaged gymnasium is being renovated at a cost of Rs 35 lakh.

A library-cum-seminar hall is to be constructed at Patna Law College for which Rs 1.35 crore has been received. The postgraduate law department would also be housed in a separate building to be constructed at a cost of Rs 15 lakh. A language block is under construction at Patna College at a cost of Rs 60 lakh. The renovation work of Menon Bhawan (the building of the Institute of Public Administration) has also been undertaken at a cost of Rs 15 lakh. Modernisation of the historic Wheeler Senate House is already in progress and PU office is also likely to be modernized soon. A separate block for the examination department is likely to be constructed at the annexe of PU office.

The VC said that a new multi-storied apartment for Class III and IV staff of the university would soon be constructed at Saidpur at an estimated cost of Rs 1.68 crore. PU office would also have a new canteen for its staff and the visitors. Steps have also been initiated for the repair of toilets and drinking water supply systems, besides the electrical wiring at Darbhanga House at an estimated cost of Rs 5 lakh. Magadh Mahila College will have a new hostel for its girls at an estimated cost of Rs 80 lakh sanctioned by the UGC, he added.

Source: B K Mishra, TNN 1 October 2009