Andhra University students protest deteriorating campus infrastructure

Students at Andhra University staged a protest on Tuesday, raising concerns about the deteriorating condition of campus infrastructure including dilapidated buildings, inadequate water supply systems, and poorly maintained facilities. The demonstration brought together representatives from various departments who voiced frustration over the impact of poor infrastructure on their academic experience and daily campus life.

The protest comes amid broader concerns about resource allocation and maintenance priorities at the institution. Students submitted a memorandum listing specific infrastructure deficiencies, including structural repairs needed in academic blocks, malfunctioning utilities, and safety concerns in hostel facilities.

Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University responded to the student delegation, acknowledging the infrastructure challenges and committing to address them through a phased repair and renovation programme. The VC outlined a timeline for initiating priority works, though specific details regarding budget allocation and completion schedules were not immediately disclosed.

The administration indicated that repairs would be executed in phases based on urgency and available resources. Officials stated that a detailed assessment of campus infrastructure would be undertaken to prioritise critical maintenance work and structural improvements.

The student protest reflects wider concerns about infrastructure standards in India's public universities, where maintenance backlogs have persisted despite increased enrolment. The administration's commitment to phased repairs is expected to be monitored closely by the student body in coming weeks.