LETTERS
---------------------------------
Buildings of Jorhat Engineering College
Sir, The present condition of many buildings of Jorhat Engineering College
is deplorable by all technical measures. The recent adoption of plastic
tarpaulins on the roof of the main building by the college authority has been
measure that is not technically acceptable as a permanent measure for stopping
leakages in a RCC roof slab. However, the fact that the attention of the State
Government has now been drawn to the real condition of the buildings has been
truly encouraging at this stage. The approval of an amount of Rs. 10 crores in
the current budget of the State Government for the all round development of the
college is highly appreciable. The recent visit of the State Education Minister
to the college has clearly revealed the fact that the amount so approved could
not be released yet on account of the non-submission of appropriate schemes for
the utilization of the same. It is truly in this context that a basic question
may be raised in respect of the maintenance of
the buildings of a purely Government college like Jorhat Engineering College.
The question is - who is responsible for maintaining the buildings? Is it the
State Public Works Department (Buildings) or the College Authority (i.e. the
Principal)?
As per the normal practice, the responsibility of maintaining the government
buildings, lies with the State PWD, (Buildings). Therefore, the submission of
schemes by the Principal of the college will result in a confusng state of
affairs. The Education Minister during his recent visit to the college has
directed the Principal (as reported in the media) to submit schemes. As per the
normal practice, this direction should have been given to the State PWD
(Buildings) for submission of schemes to repair/renovate the buildings which
are vulnerable to natural calamities including the problems of roof leakages.
In fact, the PWD should have submitted appropriate schemes (as per the normal
practice) long back for the proper maintenance of the buildings of the college.
The situation of non-availability of schemes even at this stage has been truly
disappointing. In case the normal practice is given up and the college
authority is made responsible for the maintenance of the buildings,
then the Principal of the College does require a technical Cell like the ones
the Vice Chancellors or the Directors have in the Universities or IITs. A
technical unit of the standard of a sub-division of the State PWD is required
to handle a project of Rs. 10 crores, apart from maintaining the whole campus
of the college in an appreciable standard. However, in case a part of this
amount has been earmarked for the development of laboratories or library, the
scheme thereto will have to be submitted to the Government by the Principal of
the college.
An Association of the alumni of Jorhat Engineering College has been recently
formed. This Association has also been committed to look into all aspects
relating to maintenance and development of JEC Campus. The members, have
adequate experiences and knowledge to critically analyse the factors
responsible for making JEC campus a glorified one in all respects. The
Association now looks forward to extend its helping hand to the State
Government in improving the present condition of the college. Yours etc. DR H
K BARUA, Jorhat.
(The Assam Tribune.31.12.2007)
---------------------------------
Did you know? You can CHAT without downloading messenger. Click here
_______________________________________________
assam mailing list
[email protected]
http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
