From new hostels to beautification and commercial complex at campus, the Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) would soon witness complete overhaul of existing facilities to give the varsity a new refreshed look.

These were the promises made by the new Vice-Chancellor of HPU Sikandar Kumar during his first interaction with media persons here on Tuesday.

Kumar said after taking over as HPU VC, he interacted with all the stakeholders and he was now working to give a new look to the premises, for which no efforts were made in the past.

He said his focus would on quality research and bringing new projects to the varsity.

During his interaction, he announced various new projects as construction of four new hostels with an intake capacity of 100 students, housing facilities to staff, dedicated water supply scheme, upgradation of health centre and starting new courses.

Besides, he announced beatification of the campus, improving upon facilities in hostels, construction of new parking areas and construction of commercial complex to meet the requirements of students and varsity staff.

“Earlier, no efforts were made tom improve upon the existing facilities and even the authorities till date didn’t know about the entire land that is vested with the varsity,” he said.

After taking over, Kumar had constituted a committee to demarcate the land of HP University after which the construction of hostels, beautification of the campus and other facilities would be created. He said the University at present was facing a huge shortage of staff which had resulted in the varsity losing A+ tag and it had also caused delay in the declaration of the results.

At present, 131 posts of teaching staff (Assistant Professors) and 80 posts of nonteaching staff are lying vacant.

“We would start the recruitment drive for these posts in November this year and we are hopeful of completing the entire exercise within one year,” he said.

Kumar further stated that the computersation process in the varsity would be completed within one year while the campus would be made fully Wi-Fi enabled by December this year.

Focus would also be laid on faculty exchange programme and the varsity had recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development.

“HP University would also sign MoUs with other universities of the country for the exchange programme,” he said.

Further, the varsity authorities are in discussion with Union Human Resource Development ministry and University Grants Commission to restart the distance learning institute again, he added.

“My objective is to bring in disciplined environment in the campus and work towards resolving the issues of all, besides improving existing infrastructure,” he added.