TIRUCHY: In a relief for students, the government arts and science college in Thuvakudi will soon receive a four-storey building comprising 27 new classrooms, and separate toilets for men and women, on campus as the public works department (PWD) is expected to float tenders for the Rs 7.76-crore project within a week. The upgrade comes at a time when students of the college even staged protests about six months ago demanding improved hostel amenities, potable water arrangements, toilet repairs and better bus connectivity.
A section of students had also submitted a petition with the college authorities seeking urgent action on the demands. The project is part of the state government recently sanctioning Rs 13.6 crore for infrastructure upgrade, of which Rs 5.89 crore will be spent on the government arts college in Lalgudi, officials said.
On the works, a senior PWD official told TNIE, "Tenders for both projects will be floated within a week. Once the bidder is finalised, construction will begin immediately. The Thuvakudi building is expected to be completed within 15 months, and the Lalgudi block within 13 months from the commencement of work."
A preliminary study has been completed and adequate space has been identified for future expansion in both colleges, the official added. Meanwhile, college authorities said the new buildings are crucial to accommodate increased student strength and the newly introduced programmes.
The Thuvakudi college currently has over 2,500 students, and recently added courses in psychology, public administration and political science to an earlier 13. In Lalgudi, more than 1,500 students are on the rolls, and the number of courses has risen from 12 to 16.