Kolkata’s premium 200-year-old educational institute Presidency University is now depending on YouTube videos to conduct undergraduate biology practical classes as the supply of frogs, rats and insects has taken a hit because of the institute’s fund crunch, said a source in the university.
On many occasions, students are being asked to bring frogs or rats on their own. A rat costs ₹200 to ₹250 in the market which they found difficult to arrange. “Besides, frogs are not available even if we are ready to pay,” said a third-year student of life science.
Citing an example, the student said, “A few days ago, rats and chemicals were required to study the embryological cycle of a rat for which a fund of ₹2,000 was required. But due to the institute’s fund crunch, the fund was not available. A professor decided to give the money from his own project sanction. But finally, we were shown photographs and videos from YouTube to study the process.”
Professors of the university blame the inadequate funding from the state as well as the Centre responsible for the crisis. Among the notable alumni of the university are Satyendra Nath Bose, Subhas Chandra Bose, Jagadish Chandra Bose, UN Brahmhachari and former WB CM Budhhadeb Bhattacharjee.
“Funds for excursions and field work have been slashed. The university did not grant ₹15,000 for a six-day excursion for 70 life science department students when a teacher approached the authorities. Besides, it is getting difficult to manage day-to-day activities at the laboratories. We contribute a portion of the money that we earn from the consultancy to the department pool so that the funds required for practical classes can be managed,” said a professor.
He pointed out that after the Covid pandemic, the budget was curtailed but it is yet to be restored.
Not only rats and frogs, the biology department is also facing a shortage in equipment.
“Previously, a microscope used to be allotted to two to three students. Now, a group of 10.12 students are depending on a microscope. This is creating an adverse impact on studies,” said a laboratory employee.
Registrar Debajyoti Konar, however, was not available for giving a comment on the shortage of supplies.
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