Daltonganj: Hectic preparations are on to start the first-ever government sponsored degree college in the tribal belt of Manika block in Latehar district on Friday, July 13.

As chancellor of state universities, governor Droupadi Murmu is likely to start the college under Nilamber Pitamber University. It is not an inauguration ceremony as the building from where the degree college will function is not its own and had been formally inaugurated for Plus 2 classes earlier.

Ahead of Friday, ADC to governor Major Ankit Kumar asked the Latehar administration about security aspects related to the dignitary's visit and whether it would cause inconvenience to people and traffic. Latehar administration gave a positive response to queries made by ADC to Major Kumar, it has been learnt.

But, as the makeshift college is located near NH-75, Latehar administration will have to work hard to ensure traffic is smooth on Friday.

This apart, Latehar DC Rajeev Kumar held a meeting with officials of Nilamber Pitamber University (Palamau) on Tuesday.

Vice chancellor of NPU S.N. Singh said on Wednesday, "The convener of college development council A.K. Pandey and professor in-charge for this Manika degree college M. Ram attended the Latehar DC's meeting. The university has been asked to provide all academic facilities to this college that in its maiden session 2018-21 will offer BA and BCom degrees only. Under Arts, history, economics, home science will start at this college from this session 2018 -21 as well as commerce subjects."

Science subjects will be introduced later, he said.

Admission of students was underway while the college was starting with about 10 teachers.

The VC added that logistics, including teachers and library books, were their priority. "We also hope the number of students will pick up in time in this tribal belt," he said.

Manika's BJP MLA Hari Krishna Singh, who had taken active interest in the college from the concept stage, said its Rs 8-crore building, which was being constructed, would be ready by 2018-end or early 2019.

MLA Singh expressed his satisfaction that the governor would launch the first degree college in this tribal-dominated constituency.