Sailabala Women's College Students Intensify Agitation for University Status in Bhubaneswar
Students of Sailabala (SB) Women's College in Bhubaneswar reignited their protest on Monday, demanding that the institute be granted university status by the government. The agitation saw students locking the college gates and staging a sit-in demonstration, refusing to budge until their demands are addressed.
Lockdown and Demands Escalate Tensions
The protest escalated after a meeting with the local collector, Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde, who had assured students he would visit the college on Monday morning to discuss the issue. However, he failed to appear and instead requested the students to meet at his office in the afternoon at 4:30 PM. A student representative stated firmly, "The collector was supposed to come to our college today and discuss the issue with us. But he texted us to come to his office for discussion. We will not move from this place; the collector and his officials have to come here. We will not move from here till our demand is met." This shift in plans fueled the students' resolve, leading to the lockdown of the college premises.
Political Support and Infrastructure Concerns
MLA Sofia Firdaus expressed disappointment over the government's delay in recognizing the importance of upgrading the college to a university. She emphasized the need for immediate action and also called for the government to allocate 50 acres of land to the college to support its future infrastructural growth. This demand highlights broader concerns about resource allocation and development in higher education institutions.
Government Response and Policy Context
On Sunday, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj acknowledged the college's demand, stating that the government is examining it. He noted, "It is a heritage educational institution and deserves university status. We, however, will not upgrade any college as a university without it having adequate manpower or other resources to operate it, like the previous government did during its tenure. Our government is looking into developing the infrastructure of SB College." The minister further referenced the National Education Policy-2020, which advocates for a university in every district, but clarified that the state government's priority is to establish universities in areas lacking government higher educational institutions.
Background of the Protest
The current agitation follows a 12-hour dharna staged by students on Saturday, underscoring the persistence and urgency of their campaign. This renewed protest reflects growing frustration among students over the perceived inaction by authorities, despite assurances and ongoing discussions.
The situation remains tense as students continue their sit-in, awaiting a concrete response from government officials regarding the upgrade to university status for Sailabala Women's College.
