Polytechnic Students in distress due to lack of facilities

Koraput: With the lack of proper infrastructure and faculty in Government Polytechnic in Rondapalli of Koraput district, uncertainty looms large over the running of the college as the students are losing interest in pursuing technical education in the educational institution.

Though the college was established in 2014, the delay in completion of the construction work has become a hindrance for the students here. Adding to the woes, absence of adequate teaching and non-teaching staff has marred the theory and practical classes in the college.

"I am a student of the electrical branch of the college. There are many electronic machinaries in our laboratory and due to water leakage inside the room, there is a high chance of short circuit,” alleged one Swagatika Mahakud.

She further stated, “Recently a beam from the ceiling fell down due to which the bikes parked were damaged. Cracks have developed in hostel rooms, canteen and other rooms due to which water leakage has become a major problem for us. The college building is in such a dilapidated state that I feel the structure will collapse with just a touch.”

On the other hand, Asit Kumar Acharya, Principal of Koraput Government Polytechnic informed, “The ongoing construction is expected to be over by October 31. We have made many plans for the coming academic year. We will visit the schools in the locality in consultation with the district education officer (DEO) and hold meetings with the headmasters of those schools to increase the seat strength.”

The students also alleged that there are only nine staff in the college against the total 22 due to which education is in a shambles in the college.

Meanwhile, Tapan Kumar Panigrahi, Engineer-in-charge of Jeypore Division, Works and Road Construction Department, said, “Construction of the two ladies hostels and D & E type quarters are over. The ground floor of the administrative has become functional but due to some issues, the first floor was reassigned to the concerned contractor for construction. The work will be soon over.”

The academic block is almost complete and by October 31, the entire work will finish, Panigrahi added.