Student organisations launched a determined sit-in protest outside the gates of Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) in Rohtak on Friday, demanding immediate action against Vice-Chancellor Prof Rajbir Singh. The protestors allege serious irregularities in the university's ongoing recruitment process for teaching positions.
Braving the Cold for a Cause
Despite facing severe cold weather conditions, the demonstrators, representing various student bodies, remained steadfast on the pavement outside the university gate throughout the night. They raised slogans and called upon the state government to intervene, seeking the removal of the VC and a proper investigation into the alleged malpractices. The protest highlights a significant clash between the student community and the university administration.
Allegations of Illegality and Suppression
Pradeep Mota, the state president of the Shaheed Bhagat Singh student organisation, spearheaded the agitation. He stated that the groups were protesting "for the welfare of the university". However, he accused VC Rajbir Singh of attempting to suppress legitimate student concerns. A primary point of contention is the timing of the recruitment drive. Mota pointed out that Prof Rajbir Singh is set to retire in February 2024, questioning the urgency behind conducting the process now.
He demanded that the current recruitment be halted immediately and restarted afresh by the new vice-chancellor after February. While acknowledging the university's genuine need for professors, Mota alleged that the present process is being conducted "in a completely illegal manner."
Entry Bans and Accusations of Intimidation
The protestors presented a series of grievances alleging administrative high-handedness. Mota claimed that the MDU administration first imposed a ban on his own entry into the campus. This was reportedly followed by a similar restriction on Dr Vikas Siwach, the president of the Teachers' Association.
Furthermore, the university allegedly barred three students—Himanshu, Kapil Fauji, and Yudhveer—from entering the campus. Mota framed these actions as a pattern of intimidation, asserting that anyone who raises a voice against the MDU administration faces such punitive restrictions. The imposition of these entry bans, according to the protesters, is itself an indicator of underlying irregularities in the recruitment process that the administration wishes to hide from scrutiny.
The sit-in protest marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tension at MDU Rohtak. The student organisations have made it clear they will persist until their demands for transparency and a fair, legal recruitment process are met by the authorities.
