Now, Ravenshaw University faculties join students in protest against stalled development works

Controversies continue to surround Ravenshaw University in Odisha’s Cuttack, with faculty members joining students in raising concerns over stalled development works. On Saturday, the Ravenshaw Teachers’ Association staged a sit-in protest in front of the Vice-Chancellor’s office, alleging serious lapses in the utilisation of funds meant for infrastructure and academic development.

According to the association, the ongoing impasse brought development activities at the university to a virtual standstill, despite funds being regularly allocated.

Allegations Of Unutilised Funds

As per reports, the protesting teachers alleged that although money was sanctioned for various development projects, the funds remained unspent and are eventually returned. The association claimed that since 2019, no new books were purchased for the university library, even though allocations were made for the purpose. It was further alleged that Rs 17 crore earmarked for development works had lapsed returned due to non-utilisation.

Raising concerns over infrastructure, the teachers also pointed to the second campus of the university, which they said was constructed but remains non-functional due to the absence of basic furniture.

Faculty Raise Academic Concerns

Ravenshaw Teachers’ Association President Sidharth Bharadwaj said the protest was centred on long-pending development issues. 

“Our primary demand relates to the development, renovation and repair of the university. Since 2019, no books have been procured for the library, even though funds were allotted. The money comes but goes back unutilised. Around Rs 17 crore has already been returned. The second campus has infrastructure, but it lacks furniture,” he said.

Demand For Accountability

Ravenshaw Teachers’ Association Secretary Iswar Chandra Naik said funds allotted for academic activities were also at risk of being returned if not utilised by the end of the financial year. 

“Money was sanctioned to conduct seminars and conferences. If these are not organised by March 31, that amount will also lapse. If the government is allocating funds and we are unable to utilise them properly, it is a failure. We want to know what exactly is preventing these activities from taking place,” he said.

The teachers’ association stated that discussions had earlier been held with the Vice-Chancellor, but claimed they failed to yield any concrete outcome.

Also Read: Student unrest erupts again at Ravenshaw University over ‘poor infrastructure’

No response could be obtained from the university authorities.