Presidency University's hostel issue resolved

The stand-off between the Presidency University authorities and the students over the Eden Hindu Hostel that had been shut for repairs was resolved on Monday as the vice-chancellor announced that it can accommodate students again.

"We have received the green light from the state's Public Works Department. We got the fire safety, campus security, electrical safety and all other certificates related to the completion of work this morning," said vice-chancellor Anuradha Lohia.

The Hindu Hostel was shut for repairs in July 2015, and around 150 boarders were shifted to a rented accommodation at New Town, which is far from the university. The administration failed to meet several deadlines for completing the work.

This year, a section of students went on a sit-in protest in August, and for the first time in its history, even the convocation had to be organised at a small state-run cinema hall in September following the student unrest.

Lohia said she could not go ahead to re-accommodate students until she got all the requisite certificates.

"I have informed the Students' Welfare Board about the development," she said.

"The hostel will be cleaned and the students would be able to move in after transferring the furniture and other things," she said.

"I would wish my students the best as they had understood the problems. I know they were little angry, but I think they will learn that work done with patience bears good fruits for everyone".

--IANS

bnd/ssp