Students of DIET resort to stir over lack of basic amenities

Gajapati: The students of District Institute of Education & Training (DIET) in Paralakhemundi of Gajapati district on Thursday resorted to demonstration over lack of basic amenities at the institute.

However, the agitation has been kept on hold after the district collector Anupam Saha assured the students of resolving the issues within 10-15 days.

The students alleged that there are no basic facilities like drinking water and bathroom in the institute due to which they have to suffer. Besides, they alleged that the electricity bill of the college hostels is paid by them.

Despite repeated appeals, the college authorities didn't listen to their demands and it forced the 200 students of the institute to stage demonstration demanding fulfilment of their 11-point charter of demands, including renovation of the college and its hostels, rued the students.

“The DIET authorities took Rs 1800 as electricity charges from us during admission. Apart from that, we are charged a minimum Rs 100 as electricity bill. The hostel authorities have turned a deaf ear towards our demands,” alleged a student, Parmeshwar Kar.

Another student of the institute, Subhashree Priyadarshini said, “There are only two bathrooms for the students in the hostel which often remain dirty. When we apprised the concerned authorities about the issue through application, they asked us to clean the bathrooms ourselves. There is no facility for drinking water in the hostel.”

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Principal of DIET Dr. Murmu admitted collection of electricity bills from the students but he said that the students pay only the monthly bill of the hostel. However, he refrained from commenting on the lack of basic amenities in the institute as alleged by the students.

Meanwhile, Gajapati district education officer (DEO) Pradeep Kumar Nag said that directed by the higher authorities to visit the institute and prepare a report on the issues.

“There is no proper facility of drinking water in the college. The bathrooms of the institute’s hostel are completely damaged and can’t be used. Steps will be taken soon to address the crisis,” he said.