KU residential quarters present a ‘slum like’ look
Despite earning 4 Cr as rent, authorities fail to renovate flats
Srinagar: The residential quarters allotted to Professors in Kashmir University (KU) continue to face official neglect. The quarters allotted to varsity professors continue to be poorly maintained despite earning a revenue of worth Rs 4 crores per annum.
The Professors in varsity said the lack of facilities and low maintenance by the authorities have turned the quarters into a slum.
“The authorities have failed to improve the conditions of residential quarters at MirzaBagh campus for the past two decades now. It seems the premises are apparently left with no watch and ward from the varsity administration,” a Professor said, wishing not to be named.
According to the KU Professor, around 220 teaching and non-teaching staff members are putting up at these residential quarters.
Out of 220, 120 are from teaching section including 32 Professors and 30 Associate Professors and Assistant Professors.
“From non-teaching section, Joint Registrar, Assistant Registrars, Head assistants and other officials of the campus also put up at these quarters,” the Professor said.
Presently, KU has more than 350 faculty members on rolls of which around 110 are residing in the residential quarters and the rest are putting up outside the campus.
“A Professor pays Rs 32000 per month as rent towards the varsity. Associate Professor paysRs 20000-25000 while as an Assistant Professor pays Rs 12000-16000 as rent per month,” another Professor said.
Notably, the Professors and non teaching staff putting up at these quarters have submitted scores of representations to the varsity administration with a plea for initiating a facelift of the quarters.
“But our pleas fall on deaf ears. Besides other basic facilities, the poor sanitation has made these buildings prone to health hazards,” he said.
An official dealing with the issue said a project report was submitted to the varsity administration last year which is awaiting approval for taking up of necessary repairs of these quarters.
Another official said the Vice Chancellor, Registrar and Deputy Registrar administration are part of the committee which is authorised to approve the proposal for any repairs in these residential quarters.
Registrar Kashmir University didn’t respond to calls from this newspaper.
KV Correspondent
