Presidency hill campus schedule Mamata assigned Shanta Chhetri to oversee the work on the second campus and other projects

The under-construction building of Presidency University’s second campus in Kurseong. Picture by Passang Yolmo

Bireswar Banerjee, TT, 17.09.19,Siliguri: Trinamul is highlighting the second campus of Presidency University coming up in Kurseong and its tentative launch next year as part of a renewed focus on development in the hills after its debacle in the Lok Sabha polls.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee has assigned Shanta Chhetri, Trinamul Rajya Sabha MP who is from Kurseong, to oversee the work on the second campus and other projects .

“Construction is going on in full swing and we expect the campus to start functioning from 2020,” said Chhetri.

The state has sanctioned Rs 74 crore, of which Rs 49 crore has been spent so far. Mamata had announced the Presidency’s second campus in August 2015 and said it would be set up in Kurseong — known as the education hub of the hills that is home to a number of top schools.

Along with the varsity building, two hostels for boys and girls, with accommodation for 100 students in each building, are also coming up. “In due course, quarters for faculty members, officials and others will also be built,” said Chhetri.

Mirik is also high on the agenda. Mamata has formed a committee headed by state tourism minister to work for the development of the hill town that was upgraded into a sub-division by her government in 2017.