Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 13 October 2023
Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, the Member of Parliament representing Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has called upon the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to address the pressing issue of accommodation of Girls in hostels at Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM) and Andaman College (ANCOL).
A growing number of female students in these institutions are currently grappling with accommodation challenges, forcing them to seek private lodgings in Port Blair, which not only incur high costs but also raise concerns regarding their safety.
After conducting a comprehensive investigation into the matter, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has identified potential solutions to alleviate this pressing issue.
In a formal letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Mr. Sharma proposed that approximately 250 additional beds in the JNRM girls’ hostel could be made available through proactive administrative measures.
The Member of Parliament emphasised the immediate need for the renovation of an old girls’ hostel building situated within the JNRM girls’ hostel campus, with an estimated cost of Rs. 60 to 70 lakhs. Once these funds are allocated, an additional 120 to 150 beds can be created to accommodate students arriving from remote islands, thereby addressing their housing requirements.
Furthermore, Mr. Sharma highlighted another building within the JNRM campus, currently under construction and funded through the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), a centrally sponsored scheme.
He noted that an additional Rs. 60 to 70 lakhs are necessary to complete this building, making it ready for occupancy within a month, thus offering accommodation for approximately 100 female students.
Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma emphasised that these crucial steps, involving the refurbishment of the old hostel and the finalisation of the new building, could potentially provide accommodation for nearly 250 more female students within the JNRM College campus.
Turning his attention to the ANCOL campus, Mr. Sharma highlighted a 100-bed hostel that is nearly 85% completed. However, issues related to the timely release of necessary funds have hindered its finalisation. Should these funds be promptly allocated, the administration can swiftly provide accommodation for an additional 100 female students within the ANCOL campus.