NUSRL Students’ Protest Enters Day Two As Security Forces Reach Dharna Spot

Agitation by students of the National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), located in Kanke block of Ranchi, continued for the second day on Thursday even as a strong contingent of security force reached the campus in the evening in a bid to end the dharna and lockdown of the university campus.

Armed with water cannons, a large number of security forces reached the spot in the evening, leading to a face-off between the students and the security forces. The officials appealed the students to end their agitation. However, they were unyielding and continued their dharna till late in the evening. They sat on the dharna with folded hands even though the police removed their tent.

The NUSRL students started their protest in the university campus on Wednesday in support of their five-point demands, including administrative overhaul, audit of university’s finance, review of its activities and improvement in infrastructure.

In a press release, they students said no step has been taken for improving the state of affairs in the university, despite promises. They would talk either to the Governor or the Chief Minister, or their nominees on their demands, it said.

The students said the university has showcaused five undergraduate students asking why they should not be rusticated from the institution.

Meanwhile, the NUSRL management has issued a press release to contradict the allegation raised by the students. The university said the main demands of the students were development of infrastructure and appointment of permanent faulty members. It stated that the VC had met the CM and got construction of road started in the university.

It said a tennis court has already been laid out and work order for other fields and courts have been issued. The press release said other facilities, including equipment for gymnasium and water coolers, had already been supplied to boys’ and girls’ hostel.

The university said regarding the demand for smart classrooms and proper conference hall, the tender for the project was under process. Video conferencing system is now installed at conference room, so that students need not go outside for this purpose.

The press release stated that immediately after assuming the charge, the VC moved the Accountant General, Jharkhand, for audit of the accounts of NUSRL, Ranchi. It was informed in reply that the same can be done under the order of CAG of India.

The CAG has been pleased to issue necessary direction to Accountant General, Jharkhand, pursuant to which the university received letter to send the details of allotment received by the government and other sources. The details have already been furnished.

The process has also been initiated for appointment of professors, associate professors and assistant professors in the university, it said.