24 July 2004	Saturday	06 Jamadi-us-Saani 1425

LAHORE, July 23: The government has finally decided to construct two underpasses connecting hostels to academic blocks of the Punjab University.

Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi announced this at a meeting with a delegation of the Punjab University Academic Staff Association here on Friday.

The government, after demolishing the eight pedestrian canal bridges of the university last week, announced construction of two underpasses 'along' the canal, but had deferred the announcement due to pressure from teachers and students.

The C&W officials had already termed underpasses under the canal risky due to water seepage and insecurity. The meeting was informed that the underpasses would facilitate both pedestrians and vehicular traffic. The chief minister directed the C&W officials to cover the university overhead bridges to save students from sun and rain.

Mr Pervaiz also announced allocation of Rs80 million for the establishment of two girls hostels. He said three buses would be provided to the university to transport students from hostels to academic blocks after every 10 minutes. He also asked the LDA director-general to lay an infrastructure of roads and the sewerage system for the university employees's housing colony.

INFORMATION CENTRE: Acting vice-chancellor Prof Azhar Ikram Ahmed laid the foundation stone of the Reception and Information Centre near the IER bus stop, opposite Faisal Auditorium, in New Campus, reports APP.

The centre with a covered area of 850 sq ft would cost Rs466,000, according to a PU press release. Prof Azhar told the gathering that the centre would be a one-roof facility to students and the public seeking necessary information about the academic programmes, admissions and examination schedules, results etc, and information related to various departments, institutes, centres and constituent colleges of the university.

The acting VC directed the Engineering department to complete construction work before the start of academic session 2004-05 in September.