TV
Sex racket in college? Yes, you heard it right. Such allegations have now reached the Higher Education Department, thereby prompting the Odisha government to order a probe.
Such a shocking allegation was reported from Science College in Hinjili. The Higher Education Department has asked the Berhampur Regional Director to conduct a probe after it was alleged that the sex racket was operating in the college during night hours over the last two years.
Based on the direction, the concerned official has started the process of physical verification and submission of the report after discussing the matter with students.
“As allegations have come, we will ask students and conduct physical verification and apprise the Higher Education department for necessary action if there is some truth,” said Dr Shankar Padhi, deputy director, regional education directorate, Berhampur.
Meanwhile, the Principal has termed such allegations as baseless and stated that any kind of probe is welcome.
“Whom I asked not to indulge in any illegal activities, they have now brought such allegations. I have not done anything wrong and hence there is no need for me to be scared,” said Dr Swastika Padhi, Principal of the college.
Not only Berhampur, a number of allegations against Principals of various colleges have also surfaced in the state.
The Higher Education Department has asked its concerned officers in Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur, and Balasore zones to conduct an investigation.
The allegations are related to massive corruption in the procurement of sports equipment and furniture for students. The allegations have either been levelled against concerned Principals or lecturers.
“Our team of Regional Directors are reviewing things. We have taken action against some colleges and action will be taken in the future as well. For us, the priority is the education of students,” said Higher Education Minister, Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak.
A lot of educationists have expressed concern as the list of corruption in educational institutions, which are temples of learning, is growing each passing day.
“Without fire, there cannot be smoke. Some racket is going on and the Odisha government needs to focus on the issue. Higher Education department is an important department and no negligence can be tolerated as the future of students is always at stake,” said educationist, Rajendra Panda.
At a time when the campuses across the state are buzzing with Nua-O programmes, allegations of corruption and other issues have now emerged as a major concern. Under such circumstances, it remains to be seen what is the truth behind allegations that have now reached the Higher Education department in the state.
