Student unrest at Khallikote Unitary University over PG hostel closure

Students at Khallikote Unitary University (KUU) in Berhampur City of Ganjam district staged a protest on Thursday against the alleged closure of the varsity’s PG (post-graduate) hostel.

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Over 50 students reside in the hostel, and they opposed the plan to dismantle it. Allegedly, essential services like electricity and food have been suspended.

According to sources, a major student protest unfolded at the varsity campus over the proposed closure of its PG hostel (Rama Chandra Mardaraj Chhatrabas). The University authorities have planned to dismantle the student accommodation facility and construct a new one in its place. The inmates were previously asked to vacate the hostel premises, drawing strong opposition from the students.

Compounding their frustrations, the varsity authorities had cut off the power supply and suspended food services at the hostel, causing unrest among the PG students residing there. The hostel residents voiced their displeasure, highlighting the inconvenience caused.

As a token of protest, the students locked the varsity's main gate and staged a sit-in (Dharna) in front of it. The university authorities had sanctioned funds for the renovation of the hostel and had planned to relocate the students. The inmates strongly protested this decision, as it leaves them without accommodation.

After discussions between the protesting students and the university Vice-Chancellor (VC), an assurance was given that efforts would be made to resolve the issue soon. Following the VC’s assurance, the protest has been called off.

“Suddenly, they (the University authorities) issued us a notice to vacate the hostel premises. Still, there are some rooms in good condition. They asked us to shift elsewhere at our arrangement and stay in rented houses instead,” a protesting student said to OTV.

“Several students are there who belong to poor and middle-class families. They cannot afford Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000 to pay as rent every month and continue their studies. The authorities refused to provide us with any accommodation and asked us to stay in rented houses instead,” the student expressed.

No comments were received from the varsity authorities in this regard.