Nandanam College sees tenfold rise in women’s applications

Chennai: With a separate lounge for women to unwind, a dedicated faculty advisor, restrooms, and better canteen facilities, Govt Arts College in Nandanam, an all-men campus until a few years ago, is attempting a makeover to turn into a co-ed college. The college received 11,400 applications from women, which amounts to 42% of total applications for UG courses, and a tenfold increase compared to last year. Last year, more than 1,000 women applied and 150 students got enrolled in UG courses.Women have applied to many courses, and similar to situation in other arts and science colleges, their top choice remained BCom here too.Amrutha Kevina Reni, a class XII topper from commerce stream, opted for BCom shift two in the counselling. She wanted to pursue CA in the morning, and the shift two course was ideal for her. "We wanted to enrol women only in shift one before the counselling. However, they wanted to join shift two as well, as they simultaneously wanted to pursue other courses and skills," said C Jothi Venkateswaran, college principal.He said the number of strike days, and incidents of bus clashes have reduced compared to the previous years when it was a men's only college. Students said they opted for this college due to its location, affordable fees, metro rail connectivity, and the college's famous NCC units in the navy and army. Most students joining this college are from south Chennai areas such as Saidapet, Velacherry, Guindy, and Jaffarkhanpet, among others."Private colleges are collecting fees above 50,000, which is not affordable to many parents. We are collecting less than 2,000 and also offering scholarships to govt school students," Jothi Venkateswaran said. Professors said they reserved 30% of NCC seats for women.Vishvapriya G, a native of Puducherry who sought admission in BBA after completing her three-year diploma, said, "I applied in private colleges as well, but the fees were so high. So, govt college is a better option." The total application count is 29,376, whereas the intake capacity is only 1,430 seats. Apart from Tamil Nadu, students from Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Manipur, and Meghalaya applied for courses such as MSc aquaculture. The college is also encouraging women to learn vocational skills, including beautician and tailoring courses for interested candidates.