The students of Presidency University have been staging a sit-in protest on campus for over 25 hours, demanding the reinstatement of a bus service between the Salt Lake girls’ hostel and the city campus. The agitation intensified on Friday as around 100 students blocked the road at the MG Road and College Street crossing, causing a 15-minute disruption to vehicular traffic.

The demand for the bus service stems from its discontinuation after the COVID-19 pandemic despite being provided until 2019. Despite repeated pleas to college authorities, no action has been taken, as stated by a spokesperson for the students. Their demands include the introduction of four buses for girl students starting from April, with a capped monthly transportation fee of Rs 500. Currently, approximately 50 students have been protesting outside the office of the dean of hostels and development officer for over 25 hours.

The movement has garnered support from student bodies like the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and Independent Consolidation (IC). However, university officials have expressed feasibility concerns, noting that the previous bus service was subsidized by the state transport department. They argue that reviving it may not be financially viable for the cash-strapped university.

The sit-in demonstration and gherao of institute officials continue, with high drama unfolding on Friday evening when the development officer of the hostel, under gherao by the students, complained of physical discomfort and was hospitalized. Although allowed to leave for home on humanitarian grounds, the dean remains under gherao until the demands are met.

The SFI, in solidarity with the female boarders, supports their demands, which include keeping the monthly transportation fee below Rs 500. The students have blocked the road near the campus on March 15 and plan to stage another blockade on March 16 to further press their demands.

University officials acknowledge the students’ concerns but cite financial constraints in arranging the bus service independently. They clarify that while the state transport department arranged the previous service under subsidy, the university can only afford to arrange one bus.

The Presidency Hostel for girls is situated in Salt Lake, while the varsity campus is located at College Street in the northern part of the city.

Source: PTI