In a powerful display of resilience, students of Khushi College of Nursing in Kagsar village, Hansi district, Hisar, staged a determined overnight protest in the open, braving plummeting temperatures. The protest, which began on Friday afternoon, continued relentlessly through the night into Saturday, with students refusing to budge until concrete action is taken against the college management over a litany of serious allegations.
Frustration Boils Over: From Complaints to Street Protest
The students revealed that their protest was a last resort after exhausting all official channels for over a month. They claimed to have submitted more than 50 formal complaints and sent repeated emails to various authorities, including the government, district administration, police, and the Women's Commission. Despite these efforts, they alleged that no effective steps were taken to address their grievances, forcing them to take their fight to the college gates.
Their patience worn thin by what they called empty verbal assurances, the protesters made it clear they would only settle for visible and concrete action. They spent hours in open fields, sheltering under tarpaulin sheets as the cold bit deep, a testament to their resolve.
A Litany of Allegations and Key Demands
The students presented a shocking list of allegations against the college management. Their complaints include:
- Non-implementation of mandatory hospital duty, crucial for their practical training.
- A severe shortage of teaching staff, with only two women teachers for approximately 300 students.
- Provision of poor quality food and frequent power cuts on campus.
- A glaring lack of medical facilities and inadequate security measures for women students.
Furthermore, they alleged a culture of intimidation, where students who raised concerns were threatened with admission cancellation, withholding of degrees, and retention of their original documents.
Their core demands are unequivocal: the arrest of the college director and the migration of all students to a recognised nursing college. The protesters stated they had sent representations to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Health Minister Aarti Rao, Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda, and Women's Commission Chairperson Renu Bhatia, but saw no tangible results.
Administration's Response Falls Short
Late on Friday night, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) visited the protest site. They sought time until Monday evening to resolve the issue. However, when the students insisted on a written assurance, the officials reportedly left without providing any written commitment.
Another administrative team later attempted to pacify the agitating students. The protesters, however, stood firm, reiterating that they wanted decisive action, not more promises. They have vowed to continue their agitation until strict action is taken and their right to a safe and dignified academic environment is fully ensured.
The protest has intensified the ongoing controversy surrounding the private nursing college, putting immense pressure on the local administration and the state government to intervene promptly and address the students' legitimate concerns.
