Delay in repairs of multi-purpose hall irk residents, students

Ashok Raina
Kangra, December 19

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Residents and students of Government Polytechnic, Kangra, are irked over delay in completing the repair work of the multi-purpose hall of the polytechnic here. The work began in August 2017 and was left halfway leaving the students and residents in the lurch.

An ergonomically designed multi-purpose hall with excellent lighting system and a seating capacity for about 600 persons, was intended to be used for conducting examination and organising seminars, debates, declamation contest, quiz competitions, poetic symposia and other cultural activities, was inaugurated on September 16, 2000 by the then Chief Minister, PK Dhumal. The facility of indoor games like badminton, table tennis etc was also provided in this multi-purpose hall.

The state government did not make any provision for its maintenance so it suffered damages and the authorities were forced to get the hall repaired. The work was started by the Public Works Department on August 31, 2017 and its completion looks nowhere in sight due to the financial crunch.

Sanjeev Kumar Mahajan, Executive Engineer, PWD, said the work worth Rs 25 lakh was awarded and the roof work was completed at the cost of Rs 16 lakh. He said more funds were required for the fitting and fixture and other works, which was not being provided by the Technical Education Department that had led to the delay in work.He said the matter was taken up with the Director, Technical Education, in this connection.

Mahajan said recalling of the tenders for the replacement of flooring, installation of sound proof plastic or aluminum panels and electric fixture and fittings was possible only after the Technical Education Department deposited the money with the PWD.

The polytechnic authorities alleged that the PWD was not providing the fresh estimate so that the funds could be provided for completing the works as the work had been left half way by the PWD. Sources said the PWD authorities were requested in writing on February 26, 2018 and June 20, this year to send the fresh estimate and the response was still awaited.

The students of polytechnic were at the receiving end. They have been deprived of indoor activities, including indoor sports. Kangra town does not have a multi-purpose hall or any auditorium and this multi-purpose hall was an asset for the people here to hold public and social functions against payment. For the last more than one-and-half years the residents here have been deprived of this facility. The senior citizen forum also demanded that the work be completed immediately in public and student interest.