The newly constructed science building of the Government Women’s College in Balangir. Telegraph picture

Balangir, March 5: The Government Women’s College here is yet to get permission to open science subjects from the next academic session.

There is no communication from the government yet on whether it would grant permission to open science stream in the college in the coming session, said an official of the college.

A few years ago, the state government had taken a decision to open science stream at women’s colleges in the headquarter towns of three backward districts — Balangir, Kalahandi and Jeypore. Accordingly, buildings were constructed in the three colleges for the purpose. The three colleges have created all the required infrastructure for starting science subjects, but the government it yet to grant them permission.

The Government Women’s College, Balangir, completed its science block in 2011. The building was built at a cost of more than Rs 1 crore.

Residents of the town had been expecting since 2011 that the state government would grant the town college permission to start teaching in science subjects.

Rabi Panda, a resident of the town, said he wanted her daughter to study science and was hopeful that the government would grant permission to open science in the women’s college here from this year.

“I hope the government grants permission to open science in the women’s college here. The private colleges charge at least Rs 1 lakh per year to study science. I can’t afford it. If science subjects are not opened in the college this year, too, my daughter will be forced to study arts,” he said.

Sanjivani Sahu, a student who wants to study science, is also keeping her fingers crossed. “I hope to be able to study science at the women’s college. But if permission is not granted on time, I will have to chose between Rajendra College and private colleges,” she said.

Principal in charge of the college Chintamani Sikka said that he had written to the higher education department several times seeking permission to open science subjects.

“The science block has been made ready long ago. But, we are still waiting for government’s permission to open science subjects in the college,” the principal said.