Nabarangpur/Bhubaneswar: Model Degree College in Odisha’s Nabarangpur district has been closed sine die following unrest on the campus after the cancellation of the Students’ Union Election in the institution.
According to an official notification, the election was cancelled due to non-availability of eligible candidates. The college authorities ordered the indefinite closure with immediate effect to ensure the safety and security of students, staff and institutional property.
All students residing in college hostels have been asked to vacate their respective hostel premises within four hours of the publication of the notice, by 5 pm on October 10
The notification also prohibits students and unauthorised persons from entering the college campus or hostel premises during the closure period without written permission from the college authorities.
All physical classes, examinations and co-curricular activities have been suspended until further notice. Any online academic activities or updates will be communicated through the institution’s official channels.
The college authorities have urged students to maintain peace, refrain from unauthorised gatherings and unlawful activities, and leave the campus peacefully.
The institution will remain closed until further orders.
Reacting sharply after the cancellation of union election by the college authorities, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) claimed that some candidates were unopposed after nomination process but the college administration refused to recognise the outcome.
There is a move to get the president, vice-president, and general secretary selected directly by the administration, it claimed.
BJD media coordinator Lenin Mohanty alleged that the state government is afraid of the students and Gen Z. “It is being alleged that the student union elections are also witnessing vote chori and candidate chori by the ruling party”, he alleged.
The BJD leader claimed that it has become difficult for the ruling party to win in many colleges and universities despite involving the police force, administration and local representatives.