Even as the Odisha government has been carrying out its youth-specific programmes under ‘Nua O’ in colleges; the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a scathing attack alleging that college and university students are being misled through such programmes.
Addressing a presser in Bhubaneswar on Thursday, BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal raised questions on organising such programmes in colleges when examinations are due. “What is the priority of the state government – education & examinations or dance & music under Nua O? “
"Certainly, education is not the priority. Even examinations of FM University and GM University have been cancelled for Nua-O. Students were asked to attend the Nua O programme. The state government is against education and the interests of students,” he observed.
Pointing out an official notification of Gorumahisani Iron College, Biswal said that the college authorities have clearly stated in the notice that marks of semester examinations will be reduced if they do not attend the programme of 5T chairperson VK Pandian. “This is a kind of threat to students and why students are being threatened like this?” the BJP leader asked.
He also observed that students are reluctant to attend the Nua O programmes.
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However, the BJD has countered and dismissed the allegations. BJD MLA Rajkishore Das said, “Students are not forced to take part in Nua O programmes. They are coming suo motu in large numbers. The presence of girl students is more than boys as they are winning prizes. I have visited many colleges in my constituency and seen the enthusiasm of the students.”