Cuttack: Even as Odisha government declared a sine die two days ago and asked inmates to vacate their hostels, the students of SCB Medical College and Hospital nursing school here continued their sit-in-dharna for the seventh consecutive day on Monday.
Refusing to budge from their position until their demands are fulfilled, the agitating students challenged the authorities saying they are prepared for any eventuality.
The State government on Saturday evening had declared sine die in the school and on the premise of law and order situation asked the students to vacate their hostels within 24 hours after terming the strike by students as illegal.
But even after the deadline on Sunday evening, the striking students refused to vacate the hostel and continued their agitation more vigorously saying no amount of pressure from the government would now deter them from the strike.
"We are now even prepared to face police action but we would not relent until our demands are fulfilled," said a striking student which was also echoed by others saying they would not vacate the hostel on any situation.
The nursing students are demanding hike in stipends, hike of washing allowances, timely completion of the course with regular examinations. They are claiming a stipend amount equivalent to 60 percent salary of a staff nurse, increase in washing allowance from Rs 750 to Rs 1500 per month.
Meanwhile, efforts were on by the authorities to resolve the matter soon through talks with representatives of the striking students, sources said.