Needy students and patients hailing from Bardhaman will soon find affordable accommodation in Salt Lake. Minister Jyotipriya Mallick recently laid the foundation stone of Bardhaman Sanmilani Bhaban in AE Block that will be a four-storey boarding facility.
“Many patients come to Kolkata for long-term treatment but often their families cannot afford hotels to live in during that period. Similarly, many meritorious students studying here cannot afford hostels. This centre will be of great help to them,” said Mallick at the programme on March 20.
The initiative is being taken by Bardhaman Sanmilani, a social group that was established over a hundred years ago by Bardhaman-born residents residing in Kolkata. “Among the objectives of this group is the desire to foster kinship among the natives of the place now living in Calcutta. We also want to help the needy from the state and help students get good education,” said vice-president Ashis Hazra, a resident of AL Block.
They had got the five-plus cottah land in 1992 but construction was awaited. The plot is AE 372, near the CRPF Island, and the budget of the four-storeyed building is about Rs 3 crore. It will have wards, dormitories, kitchen, office etc. “If we have rooms available we shall also consider accommodating the needy from other districts,” said Hazra. Boarders will be charged nominal tariff.
Mallick has proposed to name a floor of the building after freedom- fighter Rash Behari Bose and members are keen to implement the same. Work has started and the building should be completed next year.
“Funds are being raised through donations and with the help of Mallick. We are also seeking help from the public, particularly those from Bardhaman,” said Hazra.
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