The Vice Chancellor of Punjab University has ordered the removal of all air conditioners (ACs) from the university’s hostels due to concerns over unauthorized use leading to substantial financial losses. The administration revealed that many hostel residents have been operating ACs for extended periods without contributing to the electricity bills, resulting in significant financial strain on the institution. Reports indicate that the university has been incurring losses amounting to hundreds of thousands of rupees each month due to unchecked electricity consumption.
The administration clarified that ACs are prohibited in hostel premises, with exceptions granted only to foreign students and those with medical conditions who can install ACs with special permission. To further regulate electricity use, officials plan to install circuit breakers to prevent unauthorized usage of ACs and heaters by students.
A university official remarked, “The use of air conditioners and heaters has substantially increased electricity bills, making it unsustainable for the university to bear these costs.” Currently, hostel accommodations are priced at Rs2,000 per month, but rising electricity expenses have compounded the university’s financial challenges.
This decision to remove ACs is viewed as a necessary measure to mitigate further financial losses and ensure equitable use of electrical resources among all students. The university administration is focused on managing costs while still supporting the needs of its residents.
