Presidency V-C meets agitating students

Kolkata: Amid the on-going demonstration by the students of Presidency University demanding a quick renovation of three dilapidated wards of a hostel for the past two months, Vice-Chancellor Anuradha Lohia on Thursday met the agitating students.

The V-C along with other officials of the varsity met a delegation of students representatives at the second campus of the university at Rajarhat and discussed the demands of renovation of three wards of the Hindu Hostel and reinstatement of eight sacked employees of the hostel.

"We have assured them that we will fulfil their demands which are in our capacity. But those not in our hand, we will take time. They have demanded that the capacity of dining at the mess should be increased. we told them it will be done when the funds will be allotted next time," said Lohia, who was gheraoed for more than 30 hours by the students to press their demands last month.

The demands of the students are – immediate renovation of three dilapidated wards of the university's Hindu hostel, reinstatement of eight hostel staff who were recently sacked for reportedly supporting the students' complaint about overcrowding in two wards, and lack of basic amenities.

"We had a meeting with the V-C, however, it did not bring us any concrete solution. They have promised a lot of things and a continuous dialogue but we aren't sure how it is going to turn. We need a permanent solution to the drinking water crisis, removal of a very hefty Rs 250 guest charge in case a student brings a relative or friend to the hostel. We also want the removal of hostel curfew which is a very strict 10 pm," said Antrakshi Dutta, a PhD student of the varsity.