KARACHI, Nov 11: The inordinate delay in commencement of academic activities at the Govt Degree Boys College, Jungle Shah, in Keamari Town, has caused a sizable decrease in the number of admissions to the institution, said college sources.

Out of the 330 admissions offered in three faculties — Science, Commerce and Humanities — only about 55 could be finalized till Monday (Nov 11), which was the last date for admissions to the college.

The admissions process was delayed for over six weeks as the rangers failed to surrender the new college building on time, which has been under their occupation for the last over two-and-a-half years.

About 200 students were placed for admission to the first- year Science, about 50 to Arts and 80 to Commerce classes. After a lot of efforts, the rangers vacated the first floor of the three-storey building on Nov 5, following which the educational officials announced a revised schedule for admission.

A teacher in the college said that about 60 admission forms were collected and about 55 students turned up to finalize their admissions till Monday. A maximum of 27 admissions were processed in the pre-engineering, followed by 17 in pre-medical and six in Commerce and Arts classes.

The reason for the low turnout, as cited by a college teacher, could be the failure of educational officials of the city government to come up with certain terms in the case of the college. Despite repeated persuasion, the rangers remained adamant at retaining the college building and the educational officials found themselves helpless in regard to commencement of the first academic session at the college, built at a cost of about Rs25 million, said an education official.

It was pointed out by senior teachers that having no immediate commencement of admissions in sight, the students found it appropriate to either approach some other government colleges through the central admission committee or get admissions to private colleges or appear as private candidates in the exams.

Meanwhile, out of the ten teachers posted at the college, only four have reported to the principal, while none of the non- teaching staff, including watchmen, was present. A lot of works is to be done for setting up of laboratories and classrooms, while electricity, water and gas are yet to be provided to the institution.