The head of Jadavpur University’s physics department has written to vice-chancellor Suranjan Das to provide additional rooms for theory and laboratory classes for MSc students “on an urgent basis”.

Sukhen Das wrote in the letter, sent to the VC on Wednesday, that in the absence of additional space, “it will be almost impossible to continue theory and laboratory classes for PG students, especially in this pandemic situation” once on-campus classes resume.

“We earnestly request you to provide us at least two classrooms and two rooms for laboratories for PG students on an urgent basis so that it can accommodate 45 students. Otherwise it will be almost impossible to continue theory and laboratory classes for PG students — especially in this pandemic situation,” he has written.

The VC said: “I have forwarded the letter to the university’s space committee. Let the committee send its report.”

Sukhen Das sent the letter at a time the science faculty students’ union has been insisting on accommodating all students who have passed BSc from the university in the master’s programmes, even if it meant creating additional seats.

“We cannot do without in-person classes in science for long, as visiting a lab is a must for pursuing science. But we cannot ask students to attend classes in cramped rooms or labs, as that will invite health hazards,” the head of the department told Metro. “I am amazed to learn that the students’ union is demanding creation of additional seats to absorb all internal students even as we are struggling with the existing infrastructure.”

For the 45 students studying each in MSc first year and MSc second year, there are two classrooms and three rooms which serve as labs.