Free Wi-Fi service in college campuses seem a distant dream for Ranchi University (RU) students even now. After the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) members’ recommendation to equip the college campuses with Hi-speed Internet service at the earliest, the State oldest university is yet to take up the project.

Despite the assurance from State Higher and Technical Department to equip the college campuses of all the State owned universities with Hi-speed Wi-Fi service by March 2017 no serious attempts are being made regarding this. Even during the NAAC assessment, this essential component was overlooked.

However, officials of the varsity are of the opinion that the due to some technical glitch, the project is getting delayed as the concerned company is yet to take up the charge. Notably, the university has paid Rs. 4.25 crore to National Informatics Centre (NIC).

“As per the instructions received by the Department of Higher and Technical Education few days back, we have transferred the required amount to NIC to take up the task on priority basis and to cover up few colleges at least in the first phase. However, no one has even approached us from the company describing the details as when they will take up the charge, the deadlines including other key details,” said, RU, Coordinator College Development Council (CCDC), Dr. PK Singh. 

The CCDC further added, “Attempts are being made to catch up with the pace and NIC officials are also being contacted to take up the project. At present, free Wi-Fi service is being provided to college goers at RU Central library, some departments at Morabadi Campus.”

Notably, during the Statehood celebration last year, the government has assured that all college campuses will be taken up phase wise and will be covered up with the Hi-speed Wi-Fi service by March 2017. Recently, the State cabinet had given its consent to this ambitious project and had sanctioned Rs. 78 crore for the purpose. The State Higher and Technical department has also released Rs. 28 crore for all the five State owned universities and is likely to release the remaining amount soon but in spite of all arrangement the work is yet to gain pace. 

Accepting the delay in carrying out the procedure, Secretary, Department of Higher and Technical Education, Ajay Kumar Singh, said, “Due to some fund crunch earlier, the work was stalled. However, after the Cabinet nod and release of hefty amount for the purpose, work is likely to get complete soon. All the varsities have been asked to transfer the fund to NIC. As far as, RU specifically is concerned, the officials have transferred the funds on March 31. Another six months time is required for making campuses Wi-Fi zone but before the next academic year, all colleges will have Wi-Fi facility.”