Empty tech colleges host district offices in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Professional colleges that have shut shop in the last few years have transformed into centres of administration in reorganised districts. Authorities have zeroed in on engineering, pharmacy and even polytechnic colleges in some places.

Hasvita Engineering College in Keesara will be hosting the collectorate of the new Medchal district. Officials have okayed nearly 1.10 lakh square feet of area for rent and the management was told to construct a parking area, provide toilets in rooms and give a fresh coat of paint to the building.

Mr Tarun Chowdhary from the college stated that the government would pay them nearly Rs 8 per square feet for the area. This college established in 2008 lost its affiliation to take freshers three years ago.

“There are many headaches with buildings lying deserted for a long period. There is scope for structural damages and there is nuisance of trespassing for drinking and illegal activities. Hence we decided to rent the space,” he said.

This college faced stiff competition from two other engineering colleges in Keesara (Sai Sudhir and Murthy) but proximity from main road tilted the balance in its favour.

Similarly, Kamakshi Engineering College in Suryapet and Royal Engineering College in Medak will be the centres of district administration for Suryapet and Medak districts.

A few engineering and pharmacy colleges in Yadadri, Vikarabad, Warangal, Jangaon have become offices.

According to Mr N. Gautham Rao, president of Telangana Private Engineering and Professional Colleges Managements Association, a lot of money went into building infrastructure for engineering colleges and hence managements and owners are hiring their buildings.