Law College in need of womens hostel

KOCHI: The girl students of the Government Law College, Ernakulam, are facing numerous problems regarding the college infrastructure. Though the college is more than 50 years old it does not have a good women’s hostel.The students are dependent on private hostels and paying guest facilities that are not only expensive but also insecure. Though a hostel was built in 2004 using the funds sanctioned at that time it is not up to the mark. “Only 16 inmates can be accommodated.The rooms are too small for two,” said a fourth year LLB student. “It does not have water connection, electricity, furniture and other necessities. The government has also not appointed a warden,” said a SFI party activist.Students have protested and given pleas to the college but the condition remains the same. College Principal Saroja A S said, “We feel sorry for our students. Only if the hostel is turned into a research centre, will a new hostel fund be sanctioned. Proposals have been submitted for a new hostel on the college land near the boys’ hostel.”The District Collector and the executive engineer have visited the hostel a few months ago and they have assured that a new hostel will be sanctioned soon. “But the lethargic attitude of the government is delaying the project,” she said.Another issue is the girls’ toilet. Last December the girls’ toilet was bulldozed to build an extension for the college library but this was done without making any other arrangements. The students protested for months and finally a temporary arrangement was made.“The toilet that we use now is part of the men’s toilet. Around 400 to 500 girl students have to manage with two toilets. The locks are not strong and it’s not safe,” said a first year LLB student. Students are now using the staff toilet for the time being. “We have asked the authorities concerned to build the girls toilet in the new library building where the work is in progress,” said Saroja.The girls’ toilet may come up soon but the hostel remains a question.