Date:21/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/21/stories/2008122160590800.htm

Tamil Nadu

Government law college hostel will be renovated, says Durai Murugan

Special Correspondent

— Photo : M.Vedhan

SETTING THINGS RIGHT: PWD Minister Durai Murugan at the Dr. Ambedkar Government Law College Hostel at Kelly’s in Chennai on Saturday.

CHENNAI: The Dr.Ambedkar Government Law College Hostel here will be “renovated to make it look like a new building” by January 19, when the college reopens, said PWD and Law Minister Durai Murugan on Saturday.

Talking to reporters after visiting the hostel, the Minister said the objective of the government was to attract students from all sections. “There is no denying the fact that the building is in bad condition. It would not have reached this stage if it had been maintained properly.”

The condition of the hostel came into focus after the clash between two sections of the students at the law college. The Advocate General, who inquired into the incident, had also recommended its renovation.

Tennis court planned

Mr. Durai Murugam said the renovation would cost between Rs.70 lakh and Rs.80 lakh. The old hostel building would be demolished to pave the way for a tennis court. “It will offer a healthy diversion for students,” the Minister remarked.

Asked whether politics had ceased to be a healthy diversion for students, he said that when he was a student, caste and religion did not divide students.

“We, too, organised strikes. But, political issues such as the anti-Hindi agitation and demand for annexure of Peermedu-Devikulam areas with Tamil Nadu dominated the scene.” About the vacancies in teaching posts, he said the issue would be discussed.

The Minister said the entry of unwanted elements into the hostel could be restricted by appointing a warden, who would be very strict. “But, students should also cooperate.”