The much-awaited shifting of Krishna University from the temporary buildings of the National College to the 100-acre permanent campus at Rudravaram is likely to be delayed further.
The Central Public Works Department has made it clear that it will not hand over the administrative and academic buildings to the KRU until the latter clears the pending amount of ₹12 crore.
The CPWD has completed the construction of two buildings.
The assistant engineer of the executing agency (CPWD), Mr. Ravi Prasad, told The Hindu, “There is an increase of 20% in cost in the ₹71-crore project for the construction of the academic and administrative buildings due to delay in execution of the work, change in the drawings and location of the campus.”
“The KRU is yet to clear the dues to the tune of ₹12 crore. The university buildings will not be handed over to the KRU unless the due is paid,” added Mr. Ravi Prasad.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu formally unveiled the plaque of the KRU permanent buildings at Rudravaram during a public meeting in February on the occasion of commencement of Machilipatnam port work near Manginapudi village.
Proposal pending
When contacted, KRU registrar N. Usha said that a proposal submitted to release the funds required to be paid to the CPWD for the buildings’ project was pending with the State government.
The university authorities are pinning hopes on getting allocation of funds in the next budget to be able to shift to the permanent campus.
“On the other hand, a plan to meet the need of potable water at the Rudravaram campus is being designed with the help of Machilipatnam municipality,” said Ms. Usha.
Established in 2008, the KRU is still struggling to have own campus with sufficient building infrastructure, particularly the hostels, which would attract more students to pursue courses in the university.
According to officials, the poor enrolment rate in various departments could be attributed to the lack of infrastructure facilities on the temporary campus.
