A house for GU computers

Ahmedabad, Aug 2: A computer system worth Rs 28 lakhs has been gathering dust at the bungalow of Rollwala Computer Centre8217;s director since more than three years. However, director R P Soni says the system was given by Regina University of Canada in 1991 for a project. 8220;We used them extensively for about seven years,8221; he said, adding that since they had become obsolete, the computers given by Regina University as well as others at the Centre would have to be discarded.

Soni agreed that the computers could be upgraded. But, he said, there was no money under the project to carry out the work. The computers were given to Gujarat University for a project on Impact of computers in higher education8217;. A Micro Wax System digital along with seven terminals were given to the University. Many officials of Rollwala Computer Centre even went on foreign trip at the time of finalising the project. In fact, the then vice-chancellor and director of Rollwala visited Canada more than once.

Sources in the University said the computers were used even after completion of the project, for purposes of teachers8217; training. But since 1997, the computers have been lying at the laboratory in the director8217;s bungalow.

A professor, on condition of anonymity, said they had demanded the computers for use in their department after upgradation but their demand was turned down by the University authorities.