Bhubaneswar, Aug 12: A controversy over the organisation of the freshers’ party at University Law College, a constituent college of Utkal University, escalated into a major student protest on Wednesday, with students accusing the college administration of discriminatory practices and raising concerns over hostel facilities, academic resources and campus infrastructure.

Students from different batches gathered outside the chamber of Principal Gyanendra Kumar Sahu, demanding that senior students be allowed to participate in the freshers’ party. Protesters alleged that the administration had decided to restrict participation to second-year students, excluding students from the third, fourth and fifth years.

Calling the decision unprecedented, students said it could undermine the traditional purpose of the event, which provides freshers an opportunity to interact with seniors and receive academic guidance and mentorship.

The protest soon expanded to several other grievances. Students alleged that hostel residents, despite paying nearly Rs 18,000, were being served poor-quality food. They also complained about unhygienic washrooms, inadequate sanitation and the presence of snakes near the hostel premises, raising concerns over student safety.

Students further alleged that the college library had an inadequate number of essential books, with only limited copies available for batches comprising around 60 students.

They also flagged infrastructure deficiencies, claiming several classrooms lacked fans despite repeated requests. Students alleged that faculty members did not have dedicated office spaces and were being compelled to use the reading hall for academic work.

The protesters demanded that the administration address these issues and ensure better academic and living conditions on campus.

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