Ravenshaw Students Unrest: Guv Directs Varsity To Resolve Issue Through Discussion

Photograph: Suprakash Mishra

Cuttack: Governor and Chancellor of State Universities Satya Pal Mallik on Thursday directed Ravenshaw University authorities to resolve the concerns raised by the agitating students through discussion.

The move came a day after members of All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO) submitted a memorandum to the Governor, seeking withdrawal of sine die closure that was imposed on Tuesday following students unrest.

Meanwhile, a group of students are on dharna near the varsity campus over the issue. They had earlier expressed displeasure over the authorities decision to close the varsity sine die, stating that it was not a solution to any issue.

“The authorities should resolve the matter through discussion. The students from other states are facing a lot of difficulties because to this sudden decision taken by the authorities,” said Chinmaya Sahu, an ABVP student leader.

The decision for sine die closure came after hundreds of students of staged a mass demonstration on the campus and gheraoed the vice chancellor’s office, protesting against fee hike and other pressing issues, on Tuesday.

The students under the aegis of Ravenshaw Chhatra Kriyanusthan Committee were opposing the exorbitant hike in fee and the arbitrary decision taken by the university authorities to vacate the hostels by May 28 for carrying out renovation work.

They were also demanding immediate withdrawal of the decision to introduce compulsory meals for hostel inmates and re-introduction of previous instant examination system for final-year students.