SKVT Junior College in dilapidated state, craves for development

Rajamahendravaram: The educational institutions donated by the great social reformer and scholar Kandukuri Veeresalingam Panthulu are in a pathetic condition in the city.

One of the institutions, Sri Kandukuri Veeresalingam Panthulu Theistic (SKVT) Junior College is in a sad state due to lethargic attitude of the officials of Endowment Department. The college is under the control of the department, however, the department never gave any aid to the college. In 1970's the student strength was between 2,500 to 3,000 which has been reduced drastically over the years. Presently, the college buildings are in dilapidated condition. Former Chief Minister Dr YS Rajasekhar Reddy laid foundation stone for constructing new buildings in the year 2004. Later, there was no progress in the matter.

Even the elected representatives also ignored the college due to their own priorities. The college has been facing severe funds crunch and it is expected to celebrate its golden jubilee celebrations in 2020.

College principal K Raja said to The Hans India that the students strength is only 200 including first and second year intermediate in the courses of MPC, CEC, HEC and MEC.

Salaries to the staff are paid from the special fees collected from the students. At present four regular and six part time lecturers are working in the college. The competition from the private colleges is also hampering the development of the college.

He underlined the need to appoint regular lecturers; to repair the buildings and give much publicity to the college. The fee for first year intermediate for Arts course is Rs 2,800 and for Science course is Rs 3,100, he said.

Veeresalingam Panthulu started the school in the year 1908 and in the year 1970 it was upgraded as junior college. The college is located in six acres of land in the heart of the city. Many poor and middle-class students are coming to the college from nearby villages, he stated. He appealed to the parents to admit their children in the college.