Allegations of academic malpractice rock Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya in Bhubaneswar

The Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya in Bhubaneswar, one of Odisha’s respected institutions for music education, has come under scrutiny following claims of academic misconduct by some lecturers. 

Allegations have emerged suggesting that faculty members have been offering to improve students’ grades in return for favours.

The situation has gained significant attention after the unexpected death of a female student raised campus-wide discussions and concerns. Despite fears amongst the students, which have led many to refrain from speaking publicly; recent occurrences have cast a spotlight on the college’s internal issues.

In the past month, two visiting female lecturers resigned from their posts, citing unprofessional behaviour from colleagues as the reason behind their departures. Accusations against certain faculty members include levying additional fees unjustly and exploiting students’ vulnerabilities.

There are troubling reports of some incidents at the college involving undue pressure on students. For instance, allegations from 2018 involve a guest lecturer from the Odissi vocal music department, accused of sexually harassing a visually impaired female student. Although the lecturer provided a written commitment to prevent recurrence, no further action was taken, and he remains on the faculty.

“Principal Bijaya Kumar Jena does all these things. He along with some other faculties mentally harasses students by threatening to spoil their career. A female student of my batch got a scholarship. However, he asked her favour in return for the scholarship. He also touches the girls inappropriately,” alleged a former girl student of Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya.

“Teachers of Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya are mentally harassing the students. They are also physically torturing them,” said another former student.

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However, the principal of Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya Bijaya Kumar Jena dismissed these accusations as fabricated attempts to damage the reputation of the college. Nonetheless, the veracity of these claims remains uncertain as more concrete evidence is awaited.

“The allegations are totally false and baseless. The fabricated attempts have been brought to damage the reputation of the college,” said Jena.