Shop while you study, with mall in Punjab varsity

You may have heard about tuck shops and stationary shops in university campuses but a university in Punjab has gone one step ahead and opened a shopping mall in the campus.

You may have heard about tuck shops and stationary shops in university campuses but a university in Punjab has gone one step ahead and opened a shopping mall in the campus.

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Students of the Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, Punjab will be able to shop for branded clothes, buy the latest electronic gadgets and eat at fancy food outlets once the mall is fully operational.

According a statement issued by the university, opening a mall is a way to encourage entrepreneurship in students."The Uni-Mall is a ground-breaking step by the university to nurture the entrepreneurial talents of its budding professionals. Firstly, it will act as start-up incubation centre and secondly, a one-stop hub for all daily requirements and amusement for the students," the statement says.

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However, only one of the 75 shops is being managed by students currently. According to a representative, after reviewing the situation they might increase this number to ten.

According to the statement, one of the major highlights is that the food court, which will have a chain of big food outlets in the mall.

Educationists, however, warn of this trend.

“If we are trying to develop a university town then it's ok but if the mall is inside the campus it is a different matter. The corporatisation of schools and universities is a little worrisome. Today it is a mall, tomorrow god knows what it will be," said Ameeta Wattal, an educationist based in Delhi.