Utkal University sees nursing student unrest over 2nd Campus woes

Hundreds of B.Sc nursing students on Tuesday staged a demonstration on Utkal University campus in Bhubaneswar over lack of basic facilities at the second campus of the varsity at Chandikhole in Jajpur district.

The students blocked the road by shutting the main gate and later sat on a dharna infront of the vice-chancellor’s office. They alleged that they are being deprived of clinical education even after three years of taking admissions.

The B.Sc nursing course at the second campus in Chandikhole is being managed by Shrusrutam Charitable Trust. However, students have been demanding that Utkal University authorities should take over the management of the course.

“We were assured by the vice-chancellor that our grievances would be resolved within 15 days. However, the varsity authorities are yet to take any step in this regard. Due to such situation, we have been forced to stage protests thrice. For nursing course, we need a dedicated laboratory for the practical. But unfortunately we lack such facilities,the student added.

Another student rued, “It is the fourth time that we are staging a demonstration. The administration of the university has cancelled clinical and also not allowing us to pursue the same outside.” The students alleged there are only three faculties including the head of the department. The total strength of students is 95 divided into three batches.