‘University lacks building, hostels, library, labs'

NELLORE: Even as the government allocated land for Vikrama Simhapuri University (VSU), the management could not start the construction of the building as it is yet to sanction funds for the new university.

Former Chief Minister Y.S. Rajashekara Reddy laid foundation stone for inauguration of the university at Kakuturu village last year, but the construction is yet to begin due to paucity of funds. The district administration has allotted 85 acres of land for the new varsity at Kakuturu village in Nellore Rural mandal.

With a view to provide higher education in rural areas the former chief minister gave nod to ten new universities in districts in the State. But, the universities are not operating fully due to poor allocation of funds.

The Central Government will allocate funds for development of the university, if the institution gets 12 (B) permission.

But, VSU could not get 12 (B) permission as the university is not having permanent buildings and staff. Even the transfer of Post Graduate Centre in Kavali to VSU, which will provide additional asset to the new university, remained pending due to negligence of the local political leaders.

The student union leaders alleged that the public representatives were responsible for the poor development of new university, even after two years of commencement of the institution. “The first batch of students came out of VSU this year. But, the university is not having own building, hostels, library, labs and sufficient staff'', the students said.

The local minister, MP and MLA have failed to get necessary funds for construction of the university building in the district. The political groups are fighting for domination and are spoiling the careers of the students.

The government should allocate Rs.50 crore for construction of own building for VSU, said SFI Nellore district secretary Chandra Narayana Swamy.

Speaking to The Hindu, VSU Vice-Chancellor C.R. Visweswara Rao said the university management will soon submit a proposal to UGC for sanction of Rs.5 crore catch up grant and the State Government has agreed to grant equal amount for the university.

If the government sanctions Rs.15 crore additionally, we will start the construction work. The government's decision granting affiliation status for VSU will help for development of the university, said Mr.Rao.

Registrar V.Narayana Reddy said the VSU management has prepared a plan to construct administrative block, academic building, two hostels for boys and girls, library and labs in the site at Kakuturu village. Once the government sanction funds, the construction of the buildings will be taken up, he said.