Lack Of Official Accommodation A Major Crisis For Staff Of SKCG College At Paralakhemundi In Odisha

Paralakhemundi: Inadequate residential accommodation facilities have turned a major headache for teaching and supporting staff of Sri Krushna Chandra Gajapati (SKCG) College at Paralakhemundi in Odisha’s Gajapati district.

According to sources, while the prestigious college has 77 staff, there are 18 residential quarters. Besides, most of the quarters, which were constructed nearly five decades ago, are in a dilapidated condition and have been declared ‘unsafe’ and there was no sign of new units coming up. Private suitable accommodation in Paralakhemundi is also not available.

As a result, its 57 teaching and 20 supporting staff not only face accommodation problem but also find it tough to carry out their duty smoothly.

Some staff are residing in those dilapidated and unsafe quarters in a precarious condition. Authority seems to be non-serious in this regard as there is still an acute shortage of residential quarters and the staff are residing with their family members in a dangerous condition.

Admitting the problem, Jeetendranath Patnaik, Principal of the SKCG College, said inadequate residential accommodation and dilapidated condition of the few quarters has become a major crisis for the college staff.

“It has affected the work culture and efficiency of the staff. Demolition of the dilapidated quarters and construction of new residential blocks is the only way out to minimise the absenteeism of the staff. The state government must make immediate special provision for it,” the principal said.