Sambalpur: A lecturer of Sambalpur University has been accused by four girl students of sexual and mental harassment.
The four students of Masters in Performing Arts (MPA) had submitted a memorandum to the university’s vice-chancellor (VC) Friday requesting legal action against the lecturer. The second year students of the dance wing of the MPA threatened to stage a demonstration on the university premises from March 8 if the authorities fail to take action against the lecturer within the next 24 hours. They added that the VC will be held responsible for any eventuality in this regard.
The memorandum mentioned that the lecturer, who was earlier the course coordinator of the department, humiliated the students using objectionable language. He also threatened to award them low marks in the examination if they refused to acquiesce to his demands.
The lecturer also allegedly used to demoralise the girls and would denounce the local culture, saying Sambalpuri dance form and the cultures associated with it are offensive. He also used to pressurise the girls into changing their course from Sambalpuri dance to Odissi saying the former has no future.
The memorandum further added that the guest lecturers are not given appointment on time, which badly affects studies. The semester examinations are also not conducted on time, the students said.
Speaking to the media, the girls pointed out that they had lodged written complaints with the VC and head of the department in December last year. At that time, the VC managed to hush up the matter, the students alleged.
In the meantime, the lecturer was removed from his post as MPA course coordinator. However, the lecturer again reverted to his bad ways, according to the students.
The students again lodged a complaint with the VC a week ago. The VC had assured them of taking measures within a week. But,he did not take any measure to even investigate the matter within the period, let alone taking action against the accused, the students told the media.
Several attempts by the correspondent to contact the VC, registrar and the lecture over phone went in vain as they did not answer phone calls.
When contacted, course coordinator of MAP, Biswajit Pradhan, said a discussion between the VC and chairman of the PG council was held. The particular lecturer was called to the meeting and was asked to remain in his bounds.
Pradhan added that disciplinary action would be taken against the lecturer keeping in view the complaint filed by the students. PNN
