Students resume sit-in at Shailabala Women’s College demanding university status

Students of Shailabala Women’s Autonomous College in Cuttack resumed their sit-in protest late Tuesday night, reiterating their demand that the institution be granted university status. 

The agitation intensified after talks with the district administration failed to yield any concrete outcome.

Talks With Administration Fail

According to sources, a meeting was held earlier in the day between representatives of the district administration and the protesting students. However, the discussions ended without any resolution or assurance regarding their primary demand. Following the inconclusive talks, students gathered inside the college campus at midnight, holding placards and launching a renewed round-the-clock dharna.

The students have been pressing for university recognition for over a month. Despite sustained protests during this period, no formal announcement has been made by the authorities. They had resumed their sit-in last week and have continued their agitation within the campus premises.

Protesting students stated that repeated rounds of discussions with officials have not resulted in any tangible progress, prompting them to intensify the movement. They asserted that granting university status to the institution would enhance academic opportunities, expand courses and strengthen administrative autonomy.

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

Shailabala Women’s Autonomous College, one of the oldest educational institutions in the state, has been at the centre of the ongoing demand. The indefinite sit-in continues, and at the time of reporting, no breakthrough had been achieved.