Members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) staged a protest outside the vice-chancellor's office at the University of Rajasthan on Wednesday. The demonstration focused on demanding improvements in campus facilities, including drinking water and restroom hygiene.
Allegations of Exam Result Manipulation
The student organization accused the university of manipulating exam results. They alleged that students were being awarded zero marks to compel them to pay for re-evaluation. This practice, according to the ABVP, amounts to financial exploitation.
Poor Condition of Washrooms Highlighted
During the protest, students showed images of the condition of the girls' washroom in the university to staff at the vice-chancellor's office. They pointed out broken doors, lack of water supply, and overall unhygienic conditions. A protesting student stated, 'There is not even a restroom facility for the girl students at the university, doors are broken, there is no water supply, how are we supposed to use the toilets? And when we seek an explanation, we are told that the university is at a financial loss.'
Disparity in Amenities
Students also highlighted that while air conditioners were provided to staff, cold drinking water for students was not available on campus during peak summer. This disparity in amenities was a key point of contention.
Specific Demands from ABVP
Bharat Bhushan, an ABVP functionary, outlined the organization's demands: 'The university administration must put an end to the financial exploitation being carried out in the name of re-evaluation. They must resolve the issue regarding students being assigned zero marks, reduce hostel fees for female students, and improve the quality of food provided along with basic facilities like drinking water supply and the restroom facilities across all departments.'
Additionally, the ABVP demanded that the university initiate the PhD admission process, expedite entrance examinations, reduce application fees, and introduce e-rickshaw services on campus. They warned of a massive agitation if these demands are not met.
University's Financial Constraints Questioned
The students questioned the university's claim of financial loss, given the alleged expenditure on staff amenities and the fees collected from re-evaluations. The protest underscores ongoing tensions between student bodies and university administration over resource allocation and transparency.
