It’s very easy to describe the Government PG Degree College at Noida in a nutshell — 2549 students, 13 classrooms and 22 teachers.
On an average, one class of this college can accommodate only 70 people, which means at any point of time, the 13 classrooms can hold 910 students.
So, what do the rest 1639 students do? Fight for a toehold or just loiter around.
And how is the college managing? Holding classes on alternate days, and in labs.
"The college is holding our classes on alternate days. Even then many students are left out," said commerce students on condition of anonymity.
College principal C.S. Khanna admitted the shortage of classrooms: "With limited resources and infrastructure, we are managing and holding classes even in laboratories."
The principal said the college had requested the Noida Authority to construct six lecture rooms and other infrastructure.
"Moreover, we are expecting a grant from UGC for construction of 10 additional lecture rooms, six toilets for girls and four toilets for boys," said Khanna.
In 1999, there were just 1000 students. Since then, no additional classrooms were constructed even though the number of students kept on rising.
{{/usCountry}}In 1999, there were just 1000 students. Since then, no additional classrooms were constructed even though the number of students kept on rising.
{{/usCountry}}The state government's decision to annually increase the student strength by over 10 per cent added to the pressure.
And in the 2009-10 session — i.e., in 10 years — the number touched 2549.
The worst affected are BA Ist year, BCom Ist year, BSc(Math) Ist year students as their strength has reached 600, 357 and 171, respectively,
and cannot be accommodated in one section.
Other affected classes are BA IInd year, BA IIIrd year, BCom IInd year and B.Com IIIrd year courses having a strength of 288, 264, 188 and 121, respectively.
However, the post-graduate courses are not affected much as there are less than 70 students.
"There is no college union who can raise our problems. Student elections are banned in UP colleges," said a BA student.
Some students complained of lack of toilets. "There is just one toilet for girls and one for boys. That too remains dirty," said a student.