Tensions between the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) and Nagpur University escalated further on Friday after student activists alleged that Vice-Chancellor Manali Kshirsagar refused to meet their delegation. The delegation sought action on examination-related grievances, prompting the BJP's youth wing to issue a fresh four-day ultimatum to the administration.
Background of the Protest
The protest comes days after BJYM activists vandalised the university premises on Tuesday, accusing the administration of lapses including errors in hall tickets, examination-related technical problems, and inadequate facilities at examination centres. The BJYM claimed that despite giving the administration two days to respond, no concrete action was taken.
Fresh Ultimatum Issued
On Friday, BJYM activists submitted a 'reminder memorandum' to Pro-Vice-Chancellor Akhilesh Peshwe and the VC's personal assistant after allegedly being denied a meeting with Kshirsagar. The agitation was led by BJYM Nagpur city president Sachin Karare.
In a media statement, Karare alleged that students were facing 'mental and financial hardship' due to recurring examination errors and administrative inefficiency. "The administration is playing with the future of students. It is unfortunate that the VC does not have time to listen to students' issues," he alleged.
The BJYM warned that if the university failed to address its 20 demands within four days, it would intensify the agitation further. It also stated that any law-and-order situation arising thereafter would be the responsibility of the university administration.
University's Response
Responding to the allegations, Vice-Chancellor Manali Kshirsagar defended the administration's handling of student delegations and cited security concerns following recent protests on campus.
"We are often not informed whether five, 50, or 100 people are coming," she said. "Sometimes they claim that an appointment has been given at a particular time even when no such time has been fixed."
The VC said it was not practical for the university to maintain heavy security arrangements to prevent attacks. "If we deploy 100 security guards every day, anticipating large crowds, it would mean unnecessary expenditure of Nagpur University funds," she said.
Referring to the recent vandalism incident, where an FIR was lodged against 'unidentified accused', she said action was already initiated through police intervention. "Once an FIR is registered, people understand there are legal provisions and restrictions in place. In a democracy, people will continue to come forward with issues, and you cannot completely stop them," she added.
