Dharwad: Dharwad, the education hub of North Karnataka, is set to alleviate its student hostel shortage with the construction of an integrated students’ hostel, a first-of-its-kind in the region. Home to three universities — Karnatak University, University of Agricultural Sciences, and Karnataka State Law University — as well as national institutions IIT and IIIT, Dharwad also boasts numerous schools, colleges, and coaching centers. However, the existing hostels have been unable to meet the high demand for student accommodation, prompting demonstrations and appeals for more facilities.
The upcoming Deendayal Upadhyay Students’ Integrated Hostel, located near Udaya Hostel on KU Road, will accommodate over 1,000 students, providing separate blocks for boys and girls, each housing 500 students. This project, sanctioned during Basavaraj Bommai’s tenure as chief minister and with B Sriramulu laying the foundation stone, aims to break barriers of caste and religion, catering to students from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Communities, and minorities.
Deputy leader of the opposition in the assembly, Arvind Bellad, who has been instrumental in getting the hostel sanctioned, recently inspected the ongoing construction. He highlighted the hostel’s state-of-the-art facilities, including an integrated kitchen, library, internet access, and solar panels to ensure uninterrupted power supply. The project, costing Rs 82.5 crore, is managed by the social welfare department and is progressing rapidly, with an inauguration expected soon.