KOLKATA: Christmas came early at St Xavier ’s College with chief minister Mamata Banerjee announcing on Friday that the state government will continue to give the college Rs 7 crore annually to meet salary expenses. “I shall extend the help for meeting the annual pay package for educational purpose,” Mamata, who was the chief guest at the Christmas programme organized by the St Xavier’s College (Calcutta) Alumni Association , said. She also announced that 4 acres will be provided to St Xavier’s College in Asansol, just beside the existing Asansol College.St Xavier’s University, which will start from next academic session at New Town, doesn’t have any provision for receiving direct government funds. “There is, however, a provision for St Xavier’s College to continue as a separate entity. It can be affiliated as a constituent college of the university later. There could have been a possibility of withdrawing the state aid. But the CM has decided to continue paying the amount to the college,” a source said.“We have received the university status. Now it’s a challenge. It will be a journey of commitment and credibility towards reaching excellence in higher education,” St Xavier’s College principal Father Felix Raj said on Friday.“The Vision 2020 of Father Felix Raj is becoming a reality. We shall continue to assist out university to emerge as one of the centre of excellence,” said alumni association secretary Firdausul Hasan.