The Punjab University vice chancellor has ordered to remove all air conditioners (AC) from the university’s hostels.
The decision comes, as the administration expresses concerns over the unauthorized use of ACs, which has been resulting in significant financial losses for the institution.
According to university sources, many hostel residents have been using air conditioners for extended periods without contributing to the electricity bills. This practice has placed a heavy financial burden on the university, which, as per administration officials, has been losing hundreds of thousands of rupees every month due to unchecked electricity consumption.
The administration further clarified that ACs are not permitted within the hostel premises. Exceptions will only be made for foreign students and those with medical conditions, who will be allowed to install air conditioners with special permission.
University officials have issued instructions for the installation of circuit breakers to prevent unauthorized usage of ACs and heaters by students.
"The use of air conditioners and heaters has significantly contributed to the rising electricity bills, and it has become unsustainable for the university to bear these costs," a member of the administration stated.
Hostel accommodations at Punjab University are currently priced at Rs2,000 per month, but the added strain from electricity costs has exacerbated the financial challenges faced by the university.
Officials emphasized that the removal of ACs is a necessary step to prevent further financial losses and ensure fair use of electricity resources.
