To attend lectures today following Parrikar’s assurance
TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
PONDA: Stepping up the pressure to replace the Goa Engineering College (GEC) Farmagudi-Ponda Principal, almost all the students boycotted classes on Tuesday.
However, following assurance from Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar to look into the matter, the students have decided to attend lectures from Wednesday.
It may be recalled that hundreds of students on Monday protested outside the main GEC administrative building after accusing the principal of autocratic rule in the college. However, denying the allegations, Dr Lohani had claimed that enforcing discipline among students cannot be considered “autocratic”.
The students were agitated as several girls were asked to deposit their identity cards while entering the girl’s hostel after the event ‘Tandav’ in the college campus on Saturday night.
According to information, GEC has about 2,000 students and majority of them boycotted the classes on Tuesday. The agitating students claimed that some students attended classes in fear of repercussion.
GEC council members stayed away from the agitation on Tuesday however the agitating students, who have been supported by BJP’s Yuva Morcha, claimed support of the GEC Council.
“Dr Lohani has compromised on the security aspect of a girl student and has no right to occupy the principal’s chair. We condemn this incident and demand to replace the principal,” stated Adv Atmaram Barve, Secretary BJP Yuva Morcha.
Refuting reports that claimed students’ issue has been politicised, Adv Barve said: “There is nothing political and (the BJP Yuva Morcha) will support students.”
Meanwhile, the students met Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Tuesday evening and apprised him of the situation. After listening to their grievances, Parikar assured to look into the matter and requested the students to attend lectures from Wednesday.
General Secretary Hemali Dessai said they will write to Ponda Deputy Collector, Ponda DySP and State Women Commission regarding the alleged wrongful treatment to the girl students.
When contacted, GEC Principal Dr Lohani said some students attended the classes, while some did not. “Students have asked for a reply on the Saturday incident and it will be given to them. The situation is peaceful in the college and we are trying to solve the issue,” added Dr Lohani.
