Port Blair, April 21: During his recent meeting with Hon’ble Lt. Governor, the Member of Parliament highlighted the issue of the shortage of hostel facilities for college students of Andaman & Nicobar Islands at Port Blair. He said that he has received numerous grievances from concerned parents and students regarding the lack of hostel accommodation for college students of JNRM, ANCOL etc. which has become a major issue for all prominent colleges in Port Blair.

He added that the shortage of hostel facilities has led to students, especially girls, being forced to look for private accommodation, which is not only expensive but also raises safety concerns. Many students coming to Port Blair from remote islands are poor and cannot afford private accommodation in the city, which increases the chances of dropouts and affects their academic performance.

He mentioned that in many cases the rooms are accommodated with the students at twice/thrice the rated capacity which is again undesirable from health and hygiene point of view besides yielding lack of concentration of students towards studies.

The Member of Parliament demanded urgent intervention of Hon’ble Lt. Governor in this regard and suggested opening of the newly built Girls’ Hostel of ANCOL as soon as possible after completing the pending works. Additionally, he requested to arrange some government buildings, which can be converted for college girls as a temporary hostel until more hostel blocks are constructed by colleges.