In a concerning state of affairs at Zakir Husain Delhi College, a constituent degree college of Delhi University, students continue to grapple with poor infrastructure challenges. Despite the unveiling of a new 11-floor building four years ago, the structure remains unoccupied. The main building is plagued by severe infrastructure issues and a space crunch, forcing approximately 60 students into cramped, dilapidated classrooms with broken windows and damaged blackboards.
The college introduced the new building in 2019, boasting state-of-the-art facilities, an amphitheater, and technologically equipped classrooms and laboratories. The objective was to accommodate the large student population enrolled in both morning and evening classes. However, the anticipated shift has not occurred, leaving students attending classes in deteriorating conditions.
The current classrooms exhibit chipped walls, scribbles on walls, and furniture with protruding screws, posing physical threats. Recently, a fan detached from the ceiling, raising concerns about the overall structural integrity of the building. Some students voiced their challenges, citing difficulty concentrating in overcrowded and uncomfortable spaces.
Despite promises for renovations after exams in January, concerns persist. The delay in utilizing the new building is attributed to factors such as a lack of funds and challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. The administration anticipates the shift to the new building within the next six months, with ongoing installations of air conditioners, WiFi, lifts, and CCTVs.
Zakir Husain Delhi College, with a rich history dating back to 1696, has faced challenges and transformations. The current infrastructure issues are not unique to the college but highlight the broader struggle faced by Delhi University colleges due to financial constraints.
