Bhubaneswar: A controversy over the organisation of the freshers’ party at University Law College, a constituent college of Utkal University, escalated into a major student protest on Wednesday, with agitating students accusing the college administration of discriminatory practices and drawing attention to long-standing issues related to hostel facilities, academic resources and campus infrastructure.
Students from different batches gathered outside the chamber of Principal Gyanendra Kumar Sahu, demanding that senior students be allowed to participate in the freshers’ party. According to the protesters, the administration had decided to restrict participation to second-year students, excluding those from the third, fourth and fifth years.
The students termed the decision unprecedented, alleging that it had created resentment within the campus. They claimed that the move would deprive freshers of an opportunity to interact with their seniors, who traditionally provide academic guidance and mentorship during the annual event.
“The freshers’ party is not merely a cultural programme. It is an occasion where juniors get to know their seniors, seek guidance and build meaningful relationships. Keeping us separated serves no purpose,” a second-year student said.
As the protest gained momentum, students expanded their list of demands beyond the freshers’ party. They alleged that hostel inmates, despite paying nearly Rs 18,000, were being served poor-quality food. They also complained of unhygienic washrooms, inadequate sanitation facilities and the presence of snakes near the hostel premises, describing the living conditions as unsafe.
The protesters further alleged that the college library lacked sufficient academic resources. They claimed that while each batch comprises around 60 students, only a limited number of copies of essential books are available, making it difficult for students to access study material.
Students also pointed to inadequate infrastructure on the campus, alleging that several classrooms continue to function without fans despite repeated requests to the authorities. They further claimed that faculty members do not have dedicated office space and are compelled to use the reading hall for academic work.
“Our protest is not limited to the freshers’ party. We have repeatedly brought these issues to the notice of the authorities, but there has been little response. Students deserve better academic facilities, improved hostel conditions and an administration that is responsive to their concerns,” a final-year student said.
The agitating students also accused the administration of discouraging interaction between juniors and seniors by citing anti-ragging concerns. While reiterating their support for strict enforcement of anti-ragging regulations, they maintained that such measures should not prevent healthy interaction and mentorship among students.
The protest continued for several hours outside the principal’s office as students demanded immediate intervention by the college administration. They urged the authorities to reconsider the decision on the freshers’ party and take concrete steps to improve hostel facilities, library resources and classroom infrastructure.
Till the filing of this report, Principal Gyanendra Kumar Sahu had not issued any official statement on the matter.
