The previous government built the institute at Labsa in Sadar upazila on the eastern side of Satkhira--Jessore road at a cost of Tk 8 crore to fulfil a long-cherished desire of 18 lakh people of the district.

Sources here said the magnificent complex is unutilised as the authorities concerned failed to appoint instructors in last four years.

The institute has opened only one departmentComputer Technology. Three other departments-- Electronics Technology, Computer Technology, Refrigeration and Air Condition Technology and Environmental Technology -- can not be opened for lack of instructors and equipment.

Thirty students were enrolled in the Computer Technology department in the last academic session. But the students are facing difficulties as there is no full time instructor, some student said while talking to this correspondent.

Its principal Subodh Kumar Sarkar however said Electronic Technology department will be opened in the current academic session. Appointment of four instructors is in process.

A principal and 30 office staff were appointed three yearsago. But they have virtually no work. Necessary equipment for practical classes of students are yet to be procured.

The principal said he wrote to higher authorities for supply of equipment and hoped these will reach the institute soon.

After opening of three more departments, at least 176 students will be enrolled, he said.

Local people have become skeptical about future of the institute. They said despite having all the infrastructure facilities, the institute can not function fully only due to lack of attention by higher authorities. They demanded steps by the authorities for its full fledged functioning.