The need for better infrastructure is glaring at Patna University, one of the country's oldest universities that will step into its centenary year in a couple of months.
The centenary year celebrations will start on October 1 and will run for a year with the university - the country's seventh oldest - highlighting its glorious past and achievements. But the university premises tell a sorry tale of neglect.
The administrative, account and examination sections, meant for keeping files and examination copies, are so bereft of space that varsity employees are forced to keep files in the open veranda.
Pro-vice-chancellor R.K. Verma sits in a room where the roof leaks the plasters are coming off the walls because of water seepage from the AC installed in the chamber.
"You can imagine the condition of the vice-chancellor's room then," said a member of the pro-VC's staff under cover of anonymity.
Verma said: "We have informed the university engineer and the chamber will be renovated in a few months. The university will also issue tenders to renovate the main administrative building."
Varsity sources said apart from renovation work from internal resources, if the administration writes to the University Grants Commission for renovation work as part of the centenary celebrations, it can get Rs 1 crore from the higher education regulator. The university has not sent any such letter yet, the sources said.
"We have been seeing the university in such a poor condition for the past few years," said Anil Kumar, a postgraduate student, when The Telegraph spotted him at the main Patna University administrative office. "Often we hear about renovation work on the campus but are yet to see it begin."
The Telegraph went around every nook and corner of the university to document the neglect it continues to suffer.
Cluttered files
Patna University has different sections - such as account section, examination section, administrative section - to keep relevant files and examination copies. But as there is not too much space in any of the rooms already filled with papers, employees dump them in verandas. Several important papers from the different sections are vulnerable to rats and termites because of irregular housekeeping.
Broken tiles
Poor maintenance of the main administrative building has resulted in broken tiles, peeling plasters and broken ceilings. The crumbling roof is visible from the main entrance. Creepers have made their way up many walls and many windows are broken.
Pro-VC chamber
Poor upkeep of varsity buildings include the pro-VC's chamber. Water seepage from the AC has damaged a portion of the carpet in the room. The notice board on the wall has been affected as well.
Directorate of distance education
This building on the campus is also in poor shape. Broken ceilings and peeling plaster are visible around the building. There is no shelter for students who have to wait for work in the summer and monsoon months.
Defunct CCTV cameras
Around three-and-half years ago, Patna University installed CCTV cameras at important locations around the campus. They went kaput in a few months and have stayed that way ever since. The administration has spoken of replacing the equipment but no such work has been taken up.
