Bhubaneswar: Hundreds of students of College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry in Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) held a protest on the varsity’s premises alleging that their career was being compromised due to non-recruitment of a permanent dean for the last six months.
The temporary dean for the college is from the College of Agriculture of the university and, as a result, the veterinary students have to go to the agriculture department for all the paperwork.
The vexed students locked up the main gate from outside, while the teaching and non-teaching staff of the varsity was inside.
The students alleged that despite repeated requests and complaints, the university authorities have not taken the issue seriously, forcing them to stage a demonstration. The protesting students also threatened to continue the strike for an indefinite period if their demands were not fulfilled immediately.
Surendra Nath Pasupalak, Vice-Chancellor, OUAT, admitted that the students have a legit demand. Later, he held a discussion with the agitating students. Addressing the students, he said, “A letter regarding the appointment of a permanent dean for the college has been sent to the Chancellor of Universities and Governor Ganeshi Lal. Once the Chancellor gives his approval we will proceed with the appointment.”
Priyanka Swain, one of the protesting students, said, “Since the last six months, our college is being run by a temporary dean from another department. It’s a hassle for us to get any academic works done as we have to go to that (agriculture) department every time.”