Computer labs set up at cost of 15 cr defunct in Haveri

Basavaraj Maralihalli
Haveri: Computer laboratories and study rooms were set up in various hostels administered by the social welfare department across Haveri district. As many as 15 such laboratories were set up at an estimated cost of Rs 12 crore – each such laboratory was set up at a cost of Rs 80 lakh. Many such laboratories, set up more than three years ago, have remained idle and unused.
Sources in the social welfare department said that they had constructed a one-storey building at few hostels using grants disbursed in 2016-17.While the ground floor was to serve as the study room, the first floor was to be used for the computer laboratory. “In 2019, 20 computers were installed in each laboratory, each of which was an air-conditioned room as well. However, students at the hostels have never had an opportunity to use them owing to the negligence authorities,” a source said.
Deputy director of social welfare department Jagadish Hebballi said that the administration of the 15 laboratories and study rooms had been entrusted to the Nirmiti Kendra. However, the wardens of hostels denied the charges. A warden said that, while the study rooms and laboratories had been entrusted to them, these facilities had not been provided electricity. “The material used to furnish the laboratories and study rooms was also sub-par,” he added.
In fact, many such laboratories had been under repair even before they were officially inaugurated owing to the poor quality of materials used. Most of the computers did not meet the requirements for configuration, and were not functional. On the other hand, many of the structures were found to be seeping, while chairs were found to be broken and the plywood flooring was damaged.
An official in the social welfare department alleged that not one computer in all the laboratories was fit for use. “These laboratories do not have internet connectivity either. In fact, the central processing units of many computers have gone missing. Projectors and air-conditioning facilities are not functioning in some of the study rooms,” the official said.
Students’ Federation of India district secretary Basavaraj Bhovi alleged that the entire exercise was a scam wherein both the BJP and Congress governments were involved. “The state government must order an independent inquiry headed by a retired judge of a high court, and action must be initiated against the culprits,” he said.
Hebballi, however, said that eight of the 15 study rooms cum laboratories had been provided electricity. “We will ensure that power is supplied to the remining buildings within a fortnight. I will issue directions to start operations at each facility,” he said.