The Hindu : Government Arts and Crafts College closed

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jan 08, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Government Arts and Crafts College closed

CHENNAI JAN. 7. The Government Arts and Crafts College, Egmore, was today closed indefinitely even as students protested lack of infrastructure in their institution.

When students arrived at the college on Poonamallee High Road, they noticed a board on the gate announcing that the institution was indefinitely closed.

T. Purushothaman, a final year student of Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Painting, said seniors took upon themselves the role of instructors for under-graduate students. Many of the classrooms lack proper furniture. Since December 31 last year, they had been taking classes for juniors under trees and on the lawns, Purushothaman said.

Sathish, a post-graduate student, said the librarian post fell vacant six months ago. "The authorities did not take any effort to fill the vacancy. We offered to appoint a former student who was qualified and even proposed to pay him from our funds. But, it was rejected," he said.

Nalla Sevagan, an MFA (Ceramic) student and a native of Rajapalayam, said the college hostel at Taramani was closed down in 1998. Most of the students were from outside Chennai and all of them found it difficult in the absence of the hostel. "Many of us have been hopping from one place to another and are at the mercy of our friends in Chennai."

V.K. Manikandan, another MFA student and a native of Villupuram, said they were let down by both college authorities and alumni who hardly contributed to the development of their institution. Students also complained that a museum inside their college remained closed for more than a decade.

The college authorities, despite repeated attempts, were not available for comment.

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