Kataka: The controversy involving Ravenshaw University in Odisha’s Kataka city appeared to have deepened with teachers on Friday launching a combined protest alleging political interference on the campus.
Sources said members of the Ravenshaw University Teachers’ Association (RUTA) went on mass leave and staged a demonstration in front of the office of the Vice-Chancellor.
Wearing black badges, the protesting teachers staged a sit-in, claiming that there was growing external and political pressure on the university. They demanded that the Ravenshaw campus be kept free from political influence and that teachers be allowed to discharge their duties with dignity and without interference.
Demanding an environment conducive to independent academic and administrative activities, the teachers maintained that political pressure should not affect the functioning of the university or the professional responsibilities of its faculty members.
They further alleged that the university authorities have remained silent despite being apprised of their concerns. They accused the administration of ignoring their demands instead of addressing the issues raised by the teaching community.
The mass protest comes amid the continuing controversy at the premier university, with the teachers seeking a response from the authorities on their concerns.