Govt to survey progress of Hindu hostel: Partha

Kolkata: State Education minister Partha Chatterjee on Thursday said a top official of the state Higher Education department will visit Hindu Hostel, take stock of the work and make a decision of its opening on Monday.

"Special Secretary of state Higher Education department Siladitya Basu Roy will go for inspection of the hostel on Monday morning and take necessary steps to ensure that students can lodge at the earliest," Chatterjee said.

A section of students met Chatterjee at his chamber in the state assembly on Thursday afternoon and sought the government's intervention.

"I have spoken with the engineers of the state Public Works Department (PWD) as well as the minister-in-charge. I have felt that the renovation work has been delayed due to work done in phases by the university and the deadline of November 15 set by the state government for handing over the hostel could not be met," he maintained. Chatterjee also expressed his doubts about the seriousness of the subject on the part of the university. "The authorities could have taken up this issue with a more humanitarian outlook and at the same time a section of students should have acted with patience," he added.

It may be mentioned that Hindu Hostel remained closed since July 2015 for renovation and the boarders were provided with lodging facilities at Tarulia in New Town. The university has failed to meet deadlines on more than one occasion in case of Hindu Hostel handover. The students had resorted to agitation for a long period demanding the same.