Ramakanta Biswas

Bhubaneswar: Following protest by the students of Utkal University against closure of hostels, the higher education department has put the decision on hold.

The hostels of Utkal University will not be closed now. Further decision will be taken keeping in view the Corona situation in the State, said Higher Education Minister Arun Sahoo.

“Students of PG department of Utkal University met me and discussed about their demand. They said that their stay in hostel is crucial in order to finish the courses and to focus on their study,” Sahoo told newsmen.

“On the basis of their demand, we will request the vice-chancellor and the higher education department will take decision to let hostels remain open with strict adherence to Covid-19 safety protocols,” he added.

The Minister, however, said if the situation deteriorates in future, decision will be taken in this regard accordingly.

Earlier in the day, hundreds of students of Utkal University blocked National Highway-16 near Vani Vihar Square protesting the decision of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) to close the hostels of government and private educational institutions.

The BMC on Thursday had issued an advisory for the government and the residential educational institution authorities directing students to vacate hostels and go back to their homes. Following this, the Utkal University authorities held a meeting yesterday and asked the boarders of PG fourth semester, whose examinations are over, to vacate the hostels by 12 April.

Similarly, the PG first semester boarders were asked to leave the hostels immediately after the completion of their mid semester examination, not later than 16 April.

(Edited By Suryakant Jena)

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