Kochi: The autonomous Maharaja’s College, which lacks even basic facilities, will soon bear a new look. The higher education department has approved projects worth Rs 30 crore and the works have already been started under the first phase. The projects include construction of a new academic block, modernisation of library complex, infrastructure development and digitization of classrooms. It is also proposed to rejuvenate the architectural splendour of the heritage buildings on the campus, one of the oldest in the state.
“The development works are being carried out using the funds from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). The new academic block will have all the basic facilities, including sufficient number of toilets. Though over 75 per cent of the students are girls, the college lacks enough toilets. Once the project is completed, the facilities on the campus will be improved considerably,” said Mr P.K. Raveendran, chairman of the college governing council.
The college has been beset with poor infrastructure and hostel facilities and lack of academic ambience. “In the next phase, construction of an auditorium which could host academic workshops and seminars and setting up a new women’s hostel and indoor stadium are planned. However, scarcity of land is a major challenge,” Mr Raveendran added. Students unhappy over poor condition of hockey ground
The Kochi Metro Rail Limited which had acquired over 15 cents of college land for Metro construction works has returned the plot “in very poor condition,” allege students. Though the Metro agency has removed the temporary latrines, septic tanks and remains of building materials from the area, it has become unusable. “Since the land which was being used as a hockey ground has not been restored after completion of the Metro works, it has become marshy,” said Hari Krishnan, college union member.
