Six years after its grand launch in 2018, the Santhanpara Government Arts and Science College in Idukki continues to function from a temporary primary school building, with no dedicated campus of its own.
Initially promised as the third Arts and Science College in the district, the institution was allotted land by the Revenue Department, and ₹7 crore was sanctioned for its construction. However, due to inertia from the Public Works Department (PWD), no work was initiated within the stipulated three years, and the sanction lapsed.
In the latest state budget, a fresh ₹20 crore was earmarked to revive the project. But progress is again stalled, as the PWD (Buildings) is yet to submit a revised project estimate, delaying the tender process. Despite the preparation of a comprehensive ₹105 crore masterplan — covering academic blocks, hostels, and support infrastructure — the plan remains confined to official files.
With the new academic year underway, students are once again crammed into the Government LP School building in Pooppara, which lacks basic facilities. Authorities are now considering renting a better facility as a stopgap measure.
The college, offering MCom, BA English, and BSc Mathematics, has an approved intake of 300 students. However, enrolment has plummeted, with only 56 students remaining post-graduation of the senior batch. Even after new admissions, student strength is expected to remain below 100.
To avert closure, college authorities have appealed for modern, career-oriented courses such as AI, Data Science, and Tourism Management, along with hostel infrastructure. These changes, they argue, are essential to attract students from remote plantation areas and truly fulfil the college’s founding vision.