Pune: The Medical Education Department has canceled its initial decision to build a new boys’ hostel on the central playground of BJ Medical College. Instead, the construction will now take place in the vacant area near the existing ‘A’ and ‘E’ hostel buildings.
The decision comes after strong opposition from students, who protested against losing their only open space for sports and cultural activities. Following the students’ concerns, a committee was formed to investigate the issue, ultimately leading to a location change.
Revised Plan for Hostel Construction
BJ Medical College, situated next to the District Collector’s Office, has an old hostel complex spread over seven to eight acres. Initially, authorities planned to construct a new 800-square-meter hostel in the central playground, with a ₹45 crore budget funded by the central government. The construction contract was awarded to Hindustan Steelworks Construction Limited (HSCL), which had already started soil testing.
However, students voiced strong objections, arguing that losing the playground would negatively impact their recreational and extracurricular activities. The matter gained attention when the Sakal newspaper reported the issue, prompting the Medical Education Department to intervene.
Official Committee and Final Decision
Following the protests, Medical Education Commissioner Rajiv Nivatkar ordered an investigation, appointing Dr. Ajay Chandanwale as the head of the committee. After reviewing the findings, the commissioner approved shifting the construction site to the area occupied by the old, unused warden’s bungalow.
Reasons for the Initial Playground Selection
Authorities originally chose the playground to avoid demolishing an abandoned bungalow and cutting down trees in the alternate space. However, this would have eliminated the primary recreational area for nearly 700 students.
Dr. Eknath Pawar, Dean, BJ Medical College said, "The initial plan was to construct the new hostel on the playground, but after student protests and a detailed inquiry, the Medical Education Department approved shifting the site. The new hostel will now be built at the location of the old, unused warden’s bungalow. We have received official confirmation, and the work will begin soon."