Odisha govt considering University status to Shailabala Women’s College: Higher Education Minister

The demand to grant university status to Shailabala Women’s Autonomous College has sparked fresh discussions, with Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj reacting to the issue. He stated that the government has not ignored the demand but is giving it thoughtful consideration.

The Minister clarified that priority would first be given to infrastructure development, followed by strengthening the academic environment. He assured that the state government would take an appropriate decision at the right time.

On Saturday, students staged a day-long sit-in protest pressing for their demand. Barabati-Cuttack MLA Sofia Firdous and BJP leader Sritam Das reached the protest site and held discussions with the students. Following the talks and persuasion, the students withdrew their sit-in protest later in the night.

Earlier in the day, students had taken to the streets and staged a strong demonstration demanding that Shailabala College be granted university status. They questioned why the 113-year-old institution has not yet been accorded university recognition. The students had been staging a sit-in protest for the past 28 days in support of their demand.

Also Read: Cuttack’s Shailabala Women’s College students intensify stir for university status

"We are not refusing the demand. The senior officials of the administration have talked with them (protesting students). A discussion will be held with them tomorrow. The government will consider about their demand after the discussion. We have also mentioned in the State Assembly that proper decision will be taken in this regard at the right time. If we really want the development of Shailabala, we need to develop its second campus, ensure land allocation and staff requirement. It's easy for the government to upgrade a university. It could be done with around Rs 50 to Rs 70 crore. However, to set up a new university around Rs 300-Rs 350 crore is required with recurring cost as well. In a bid to upgrade a university, we need to ensure its infrastructure development," said Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.