Bhubaneswar, Aug 5: Tension continued at Ravenshaw University on Wednesday as members of the Ravenshaw University Teachers’ Association (RUTA) staged a peaceful protest march to the Vice-Chancellor’s office, alleging political interference in the institution’s affairs and demanding protection of teachers’ dignity and university autonomy.

The teachers began their march from the iconic Seven Pillars of Wisdom on the university campus and submitted a four-point charter of demands to the Vice-Chancellor. Their key demands include a public apology from the alleged offender, an end to political interference in university administration, safeguarding the dignity of faculty members, and maintaining respect for the office of the Vice-Chancellor and the institution.

The protest follows an incident that allegedly took place on August 3 during a student agitation over hostel-related issues. According to RUTA, a senior professor serving as the Chief Warden was allegedly subjected to disrespectful behaviour and offensive remarks in the presence of students, triggering widespread resentment among faculty members.

Speaking to the media, a professor claimed that the university administration had almost resolved the students’ concerns through dialogue when a local MLA arrived on the campus and allegedly intervened in the matter. The professor alleged that the Chief Warden was publicly humiliated, an act that, according to the association, undermined the dignity of the teaching community.

Faculty members maintained that political intervention in internal university matters was unwarranted, especially when discussions with students were progressing positively. They also claimed that the students themselves had clarified they had not invited the MLA to the campus.

Meanwhile, another teacher revealed that all hostel wardens and deputy wardens had collectively submitted their resignations on Tuesday in protest against the incident. RUTA reiterated that its agitation is aimed at protecting the autonomy, academic environment and institutional integrity of Ravenshaw University while ensuring respect for teachers and university authorities.

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