Central university students sit on dharna for basic facilities

Students of the School of Engineering and Technology in Mahendergarh’s Central University of Haryana (CUH) sat on indefinite dharna at its campus on Monday in protest against alleged lack of facilities, poor infrastructure and inadequate staff for the past two years.

“The faculty staff was hired on contract and is of assistant professor-level only. We have recorded a video of the faculty making silly spelling mistakes while teaching,” a protesting student claimed, adding that the school did not even have its own building and classes were held in hostel rooms.

The School of Engineering and Technology was established in 2016 and offers Bachelor of Technology in four disciplines: computer science engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, and printing and packaging technology.

The students, however, alleged that the school lacks essential facilities such as laboratories and regular staff, and the courses do not offer practical experience or workshops.

In a press statement, the students said that they were taken to Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology in Sonipat and RPS college, Mahendergarh, for practical exams.

Failing the students

Due to the lack of basic facilities, around 70% of the students failed the first semester in 2016 and more than 50% in the second semester.

When the students could not be promoted to the third semester, as per an ordinance, they moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The students claimed that following the court orders, the university re-conducted the exam and cleared most of the students, but the core issue remained unaddressed.

“We conducted a week-long protest in August last year raising similar demands. The Vice-Chancellor gave verbal assurances, but nothing changed,” claimed another student.

“The students spearheading the campaign are being targeted and threatened. The teachers have called the parents of several women students taking part in the protest to discourage them,” another student claimed.

Other major demands of the students include setting up of a professional communications laboratory, a library, and holding of personality development classes.

The students also rued the lack of practical exposure, academic calender, and programmes running without heads of departments.

Public Relations Officer of CUH Shailender Kumar said that recruitment of staff was delayed due to stay orders by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

‘Arranging for faculty’

He claimed that the process to set up laboratories and purchase equipment was underway.

“The university has decided to arrange for senior faculty on deputation for the benefit of the students till the time the regular recruitments are made,” Mr. Kumar added.

Established under Central Universities Act, 2009, of Parliament, the Central University of Haryana, spread over 400 acres in Jant-Pali villages, is one of the 15 central universities established by the union government under the 11th Five-Year Plan (2007-12) and is fully funded by the University Grants Commission.