IUST ignores students pleas for better class rooms
Srinagar: Signifying the poor performance, the authorities at Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) are yet to provide proper accommodation for the students enrolled in polytechnic college of the varsity which was setup in 2012.
An official said the around 500 students are enrolled in the varsity who are pursuing different diploma courses, however, the college is functioning sans the facets required for the students.
“The intake capacity of seats for Diploma in Engineering Programme is around 55 students per branch. The students of 2015 and 2016 and 2017 batches and 2018 are pursuing the programmes. The students are not provided the facilities as are given to other students,” the official said.
The students said the University administration has constructed around a dozen tin sheds which are used as lecture halls for the students.
“The irony is that till now the classes for diploma engineering candidates are taken in steel made sheds. We are facing huge inconvenience throughout the year,” said an aggrieved student who requested anonymity.
The students said they approached University administration number of times with a plea to shift them in a permanent building but the varsity remained unmoved till date.
“We are being given step motherly treatment by the administration. Last year two new academic blocks were made functional but we are still attending our classes in tin sheds,” the aggrieved students said.
According to students, the varsity administration fixed a fee structure of Rs 16000 per semester in 2012 while as Rs 84000 was fixed as admission fee for the students opting for electrical and mechanical branches and Rs 1.20 lakh for civil engineering branch.
“The move evoked resentment following which the Rs 1400 per semester was fixed and the candidates selected under self-financed category paid Rs 8400 as admission fee,” they said.
The students however, alleged that the change in fee structure proved costly for them as the university is delaying shifting them to permanent campus.
“Even we are not taken to laboratories for practical, workshop practice,” said a student. The students said the varsity administration has insulated the tin sheds from inside and erected some fans to avoid criticism.
“Installing fans and insulating tin sheds doesn’t make these sheds a proper classroom for students,” another student said.
A top official in the varsity dealing with the subject said construction of various academic blocks and other buildings is going on.
“We will construct a permanent campus for polytechnic college students as well,” he said.
Vice Chancellor IUST, Professor Mushtaq Siddique was not available for his comments.
KV Correspondent
