CHENNAI: The University of Madras Arts and Science College, Thiruvottiyur runs in five classrooms. In what could pass off as a primary school, 900 students and 30 faculty members use the five classrooms, some with only asbestos sheets for roofs, on shifts.
In the narrow and tapering Poonthota Street, there is nothing besides the sign board on the gate to indicate that a college, affiliated to Madras University, is located on the premises.
The college, which was formed in 2012, was earlier used as a primary school and the infrastructure that was available for the primary school is what the college has until today. In the nearly 109 single storey blocks inside the premises, each having about two rooms, one block is still used as a primary school while some others are used as government offices such as a noon meal centre and a taluk office.
According to the students, for want of space, the five classrooms are used on shifts by the first-year, second-year and third-year students. There are only five courses offered by the college- BA English, BA Tamil, BCA (Bachelor of Computer Application), B Com General and B Com (CA).“For the second and third year, it is morning shift from 8AM to 12 pm and for first years it is 1 pm to 5 pm. Most of the classrooms do not have any fans,” said a student seeking anonymity.
Even in the available space, many students said that the facilities available were unacceptable. The few rooms in the college that had concrete roofs were also precariously dilapidated.
“Some buildings are in such poor condition that once the slab from the ceiling fell down. Nobody was hurt because it happened after our class hours,” said another student.
During the rains the situation invariable worsens, said a student who added,”Water will seep through the ceiling and cover the benches. Either we try to adjust or the professors send us back home.”
The students also said that the drinking water, security and hygiene facilities were no different. “There is only one tap for drinking water; nobody cleans the tank. There are only three rest rooms. One for girls, one for boys and one for staff members. In girls toilet there is no lock, so everyone avoids going to the restrooms,” she said.
She went on to say that earlier there was no watchman for the college. There were many instances of drunkards using the place as their den. After several complaints, a watchman was posted at the gate. The TASMAC outlet near the college only added to their woes.
“We complained to the Principal and demanded a separate campus with basic facilities and proper classrooms. The principal spoke to university authorities and they promised to provide us basic facilities like toilets and drinking water. But so far nothing has been done by the authorities,” said a student.
A faculty member requesting anonymity said that this campus was intended to be used as a temporary one. “A new campus is set to come up and till then we were asked to make do with this space. But so far no development has taken place,” she said.
According to college officials, former Vice-Chancellor of University of Madras had promised to provide 6 acres of land for this college. “Because of lack of space we have only five courses available. The six acre land was approved by the government. We do not know whether this campus will be expanded or we would be given a separate campus. With vacancy in the post of Vice Chancellor this process has only been delayed,” he said.