In a significant move addressing faculty concerns, Panjab University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Renu Vig, officially inaugurated the newly merged and renamed teachers' accommodation on Thursday. The flats, now designated as NTF1, mark the successful completion of a project long advocated by the teaching community.
A Response to Long-Standing Faculty Demand
The initiative directly responds to the persistent demand from the Panjab University Teachers' Association (PUTA). For years, faculty members found the original 360-square-foot flats too cramped and largely unsuitable, leading to many units remaining unoccupied. The university administration has tackled this issue by merging two smaller units to create one spacious apartment.
The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of key university officials, including Dean of University Instruction Professor Yojna Rawat and Registrar Professor YP Verma. Members of PUTA, along with various wardens and faculty members, were also in attendance to witness the milestone.
Enhanced Amenities in the New Design
Each newly merged flat now offers a comfortable 720 square feet of living space, effectively doubling the area of the original units. The redesigned layout is a major upgrade, featuring a combined drawing and dining area, two separate bedrooms, two washrooms, and a more expansive kitchen.
This transformation is being executed in phases. Under the initial pilot phase, eight existing flats in one tower have been converted into four larger units. Building on this success, the next phase will see a more extensive conversion, where 22 flats will be merged to create 11 new, spacious units.
Efficient and Cost-Effective Project Execution
Detailing the project's execution, Executive Engineer-II Anil Thakur, who served as the project in-charge, highlighted the efficiency of the work. He stated that the entire conversion for the pilot phase was completed within a span of five months. Importantly, this was achieved in a cost-effective manner, ensuring prudent use of university resources.
The renaming of the flats to NTF1 (New Teachers' Flats - Block 1) symbolizes a fresh start for on-campus faculty housing. This development is expected to significantly improve the living conditions for teachers and potentially increase the occupancy rate of campus accommodations, fostering a stronger residential academic community.
