The National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) has requested the State Government to ensure supply of electricity and water to its new campus in Jatni before the completion of the construction of the building.
The institute, which is currently operating on the campus of the Institute of Physics, is facing difficulties in accommodating 350 students who have taken admission for the flagship MSc programme this year. Besides, another 60 students have taken admission for doctorate in philosophy (PhD) in Basic Science.
The institute has invested Rs 56 crore for developing laboratories and another Rs 15 crore for academic and administrative purposes on the transit campus. The transit campus has facility for a girls’ hostel.
During 2012-13 academic session, NISER’s faculty members have added 23 new sponsored projects with funding to the tune of Rs 10.16 crore from sources other than the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
The State Government has provided 298 acres of land near Jatni where the new campus has been developed by Larsen and Toubro. The construction of the permanent campus with 72,700 sq metres of academic campus, administrative building, library, auditorium and meditation centre is at a very advanced stage.
Besides, a residential township comprising nine hostels, staff quarters and director’s bungalow is under construction.
In a recent communication to the Government, NISER Director V Muruganandam has expressed doubt over supply of electricity and water to the campus because of the slow pace at which the Government departments are working.
While the Energy Department has asked CESU to furnish the status report on power supply to the new campus, the Urban Development Department has asked Public Health Department to ensure that the water is supplied before the stipulated time.