Presidency stalemate: Protest on, varsity expands panel to reach out to students

At 1.20 pm on Wednesday, the students marched within the university campus with mouths covered. Carrying placards, they demanded the resignation of Lohia.

Later, they held a road blockade in College Street.

Following the demonstration, it was decided that the protesting students would return to classes and later, attend a general body meeting at 5 pm. It was also decided that from now on, students would reach the campus by 9 am and hold symbolic protests.

“An alternative movement will be held through posters and class campaign,” said Trisha Chanda, general secretary of Presidency University Students Union Council.

On Tuesday, Lohia has formed a seven-member committee — comprising six heads of departments and the dean of students as member secretary — to hold talks with the agitating students. The protesting students, however, had claimed they would not speak to any committee member till the university registrar and controller of exam were included in the panel.

It was learnt on Wednesday that the university authorities, giving in to the demands of the students, have included Registrar Debajyoti Konar and Controller of Examination Nilanjan Dasgupta in the committee.

While Professor Madhuprada Chowdhury will lead the committee, the other members were professors Tanuja Majumder, Gandhi Kar, Somnath Chatterjee, Suchita Saha and Suchetana Chatterjee. Dean of Students Gagari Chakraborty will be the member secretary of the panel.

“The committee set up by the V-C comprises teachers and we don’t have any problem with that. We wanted someone from the administration. If they want our opinion, we would give it to them in writing,” said a protesting student.

When contacted, Registrar Debajyoti Konar said: “The V-C has directed that the registrar and the controller of examinations be included in the committee. The students wanted us to be in the committee. Now, we have asked them to come over for a dialogue. But so far, no one has come forward.”