The NLU Odisha administration called the ongoing student protests “illegal” and accused the students of using “arm-twisting” tactics. The students started an indefinite protest, saying the administration has failed to solve their long-standing problems. They claim their issues have been ignored, forcing them to take this step. The administration’s statement has added to the tension between both sides.
Cuttack: The administration of National Law University, Odisha (NLU Odisha) issued an official statement regarding the ongoing student protest that began yesterday.
This statement addresses the indefinite protest initiated by students who allege that the administration has neglected their long-standing concerns and has penalized those who expressed grievances.
Also Read: [NLU Delhi Student Suicides] ‘Adequate Steps Taken’: HC Closes Plea for Independent Probe
The administration remarked,
“It is usually believed that students are always right and the administration is always lacking. In this case, it is a clear situation where the students of NLUO have decided to pressure the University to concede to their illegal, unlawful, and unreasonable demand to set aside the evaluation for tutorial classes by protesting at a crucial time for the University.”
According to the NLU Odisha administration, the protests are rooted in the Academic Council’s decision to evaluate tutorial classes, which has sparked discontent among students. Vice-Chancellor Prof Ved Kumari indicated that while she cannot set-aside the decision, the issue will be presented at the next Academic Council meeting.
The statement read,
“The unreasonable and malafide nature of their protest was evident in their actions yesterday. After the Registrar, Chief Warden, and Controller of Exams, on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, agreed to suspend evaluation until the next Academic Council meeting and partially open the Academic Block, the Student Council members initially agreed to halt the protest. However, they then backtracked and began demanding additional concessions from the Vice Chancellor, including an open-ended General Body Meeting (GBM),”
The University dismissed the students’ concerns regarding infrastructure, library access, and mental health facilities, asserting that these issues have either been addressed previously or are in progress.
The administration contended that the formal protest notice lacked adequate time for the grievances to be addressed and labeled the protest as unlawful with malicious intent.
Furthermore, the administration claimed that the timing of the protest was intended to disrupt upcoming events, specifically the 3rd Annual Flower Show and a Review Commission visit. They also questioned the legitimacy of the Student Council, which has not held elections, and noted that some members resigned under internal pressure.
Also Read: Alarming Rise in Student Suicides| Third Death at ‘NLU Delhi’ in a Month Sparks Concern
While the administration expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue, they stated that discussions would take place after the University’s upcoming events are completed.
Meanwhile, the NLU Odisha Student Council continues its protest and submitted a list of demands to the administration.
These demands include calls for improved infrastructure and financial transparency, the removal of arbitrary evaluation methods, transparent academic policies, better grievance redressal mechanisms, examination reforms, enhanced faculty and curriculum standards, and unrestricted access to academic blocks.