Bolangir/Loisingha: Tension prevailed at Kuturapalli in Loisingha block of Bolangir district after 55 students of a local private women’s college failed to appear for Plus II examinations as admit cards were not issued to them by the managing head of the institute.
The incident sparked tension among the girls and their guardians with the students going on a rampage on the premises of Sahid Samir Barba Antajal Women’s College.
The managing head of the college Anil Jal is absconding since Monday.
Later, the girls, their guardians, public representatives and residents staged a blockade at Maharpalli Square on Chandanbhati- Loisngha road.
They refused to relent and came over to Bolangir where they staged a demonstration outside the district collectorate over the issue. They met Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra, who was in Bolangir for a meeting, and pleaded with him to help protect the future of the students.
Mishra assured the students of discussing the issue with senior authorities of the higher education department and recommending initiation of criminal proceedings against those responsible for the students’ plight.
Later, the agitators submitted a memorandum to additional district magistrate Lakshmikanta Pradhan urging him to take immediate steps in this regard. Pradhan assured them of apprising the state government of the issue.
Sources said 121 girls had taken admission in Plus II Arts in the college and had deposited Rs 5,500 each towards their admission fees.
After studying for two years, 55 girls filled up forms for the Plus II examinations. They deposited Rs 7,500 each which includes the fees for the second year and examination fee with the managing head of the college.
While receiving the fees, Jal had assured the girls that they will appear for the examinations in their own college. The girls visited the college as the examinations began Monday but had to return as admit cards were not issued to them. Moreover, Jal was found absconding.
The incident triggered tension among students which further escalated Tuesday.
Former sarpanch Lex Tripathy and Zilla Parishad members Aniruddha Biswal, Kainthu Biswal, Shyam Patel, Balakrushna Dharua and Narayan Kalsai took part in the agitation and demanded immediate arrest of Jal. PNN
