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

Tension flared on Ravenshaw University campus in Cuttack on Monday as students of the self-financing Computer Science Department staged a protest in front of the Vice-Chancellor’s office in the varsity.

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The students alleged that despite repeated requests, the university has failed to provide sufficient and functioning computers essential for practical sessions. They complained that most of the existing systems are outdated and in poor working condition, making it difficult to conduct laboratory work.

In addition, students claimed that the computer lab itself is in an unusable state, adding to their academic hardships. They said that although they had raised the issue several times with the Vice-Chancellor and departmental officials, no concrete action had been taken.

Demanding immediate improvement of laboratory facilities in the Department, including other essential infrastructure, the students demonstrated outside the VC office.

They also warned that if the authorities continue to ignore their concerns, the protest would be intensified in the coming days.

The Ravenshaw University administration has not yet issued any official response regarding the agitation.

“Computer deficit is acute in the Computer Science Department of a famous University like Ravenshaw. There are seven batches of students – B.Sc three, M.Sc two, and MCA two batches. With around 40 students in a batch, the total number is 280. Each student is paying nearly Rs 40,000 towards course fee,” a student, Dibya Prakash Patra, said.

“The total fee collected from all (280) students in a year is more than Rs 11 crore. What is the collected money being used for?” Dibya Prakash Patra questioned.

“Repeatedly, we have complained to the VC, Registrar and other senior officials of the varsity over these issues in writing, and nothing has been done so far. No solution to the matters is being provided to us,” another student, Debasmita Sahu, expressed.

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