More than 4000 students enrolled at a prominent women's college in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, have been thrown into uncertainty after receiving a stark court notice to vacate the campus within a mere 15 days. The notice, issued by the Dhanbad District Council (Zilla Parishad), has triggered a major crisis for BSS Women's College, which has operated on council-owned land for decades.
Administration Scrambles for a Solution
The sudden eviction directive has created significant tension within the college administration. Principal Karuna urgently met with the council's chairperson, Sharda Singh, on Thursday to discuss the looming deadline and plead for more time. Principal Karuna emphasized that thousands of women students are directly or indirectly associated with the institution, and any abrupt action would severely disrupt their academic futures and aspirations.
In the larger interest of preserving educational continuity, Karuna appealed to the district council to find an amicable solution that would allow the institute to function without interruption. The college is affiliated with Binod Bihari Mahto Koylanchal University (BBMKU), and any sealing of the premises would have wide-ranging implications for higher education access for women in the region.
History of the Land Dispute
Council Chairperson Sharda Singh clarified that the college is situated on land legally owned by the parishad. She revealed that this is not the first such notice; a similar order was issued back in 2011. At that time, because college examinations were underway, no immediate action was enforced. However, as the college authorities did not provide a formal response to that initial notice, the council has been compelled to issue a fresh directive.
Singh assured that the council is sensitive to the students' futures and will not act hastily. "Keeping the interest of students in mind, an appropriate decision will be made," she stated. She also indicated a potential path forward, suggesting that leasing the land to the college is a possibility. This arrangement could ensure uninterrupted education for students while also generating rightful revenue for the council.
Seeking a Legally Viable Outcome
Sources indicate that discussions are actively ongoing to find a legally viable solution that balances the administrative and legal requirements of the council with the critical educational needs of thousands of students. The coming days are expected to be crucial as both parties negotiate towards a mutually acceptable outcome.
This situation arises as part of a larger exercise by the Dhanbad District Council to identify, document, and safeguard its properties across the district. The fate of BSS Women's College now hinges on whether a compromise, such as a long-term lease agreement, can be finalized before the tight deadline expires, preventing an unprecedented academic disruption.
