Student unrest has erupted at Kurukshetra University, with protesters taking the drastic step of burning an effigy of the Vice Chancellor. The dramatic act marks a significant escalation in their ongoing agitation against the university's current recruitment drive.
Core Demands and Immediate Trigger
The protest, led by the Kurukshetra University Research Scholars' Association, centers on a firm demand for the immediate and complete cancellation of the ongoing recruitment process for 244 teaching and non-teaching positions. Students allege serious irregularities in the procedure, which they claim undermines fairness and transparency.
Their grievances are not new. The scholars' association has been vocal for over a month, submitting multiple memorandums to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Som Nath Sachdeva. They argue that the process violates the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations and the university's own established statutes. The final straw appears to have been the administration's decision to proceed with interviews despite these unresolved objections.
A Symbolic Act of Defiance
Frustrated by the perceived lack of response, students gathered and set fire to an effigy representing the Vice Chancellor. This symbolic protest was a powerful display of their anger and frustration. The demonstrators have vowed to intensify their agitation if their primary demand is not met.
The protesters have issued a clear ultimatum: the university administration must halt the recruitment process by Tuesday, February 27. Failure to do so, they warn, will lead to a more severe and widespread protest campaign. This potential escalation could disrupt normal university functions and draw broader attention to the issue.
Administration's Stance and Mounting Tensions
As of now, the university administration, under Vice-Chancellor Prof. Som Nath Sachdeva, has not publicly acquiesced to the students' demands. The standoff creates a tense atmosphere on campus. The recruitment process for the 244 posts remains a flashpoint, with students convinced that continuing it legitimizes a flawed system.
This incident at Kurukshetra University highlights growing tensions in Haryana's higher education sector regarding recruitment transparency. The students' move to burn the VC's effigy is an extreme measure, underscoring the depth of their discontent. The coming days are critical, as the university's response will determine whether the situation de-escalates or spirals into a larger confrontation.
The eyes of the academic community in Haryana are now on Kurukshetra University, waiting to see if dialogue will prevail or if the campus will witness further unrest.
