A large group of students, under the banner of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), staged a silent protest at Doranda College in Ranchi on Tuesday. The college is affiliated with Ranchi University. The protesters demanded the appointment of teachers, the conduct of student body elections, improved sanitation, and other facilities within the institution.
Demands for Student Body Elections
The protesters highlighted that student body elections have not been held since 2019, even though fees for the same are being collected. They demanded that the election fund be spent transparently and that its accounts be made public.
Teacher-Student Ratio Concerns
Vishwajit Singh, NSUI's Ranchi University vice president, stated, "While there are 16,500 students in the college, the number of teaching and non-teaching staff are 100 and 50 respectively. The ideal teacher-student ratio should be around 1:40."
Hygiene and Sanitation Issues
A first-semester student, Rashmi Rani, raised concerns about hygiene on campus. "The state of hygiene in the college campus is below standard. The female washroom has transparent glass on windows. There is no arrangement for sanitary pads," she said.
Water and Amenities Shortage
The students also pointed out that due to inadequate drinking water arrangements, they often have to purchase water from outside during the ongoing summer season. They noted that the lack of a common room and canteen creates difficulties for students, particularly those coming from far-off places to the college.
Principal's Response
College principal Raj Kumar Sharma said, "Several demands of the students, including the union election, can be handled only at the university level. The college-level issues, including that of the girls' washroom, would be addressed."
