Pioneer News Service
DUMKA
In protest against a drastic reduction in undergraduate seats, the Student Coordination Committee of the Santhal Pargana Division launched an indefinite lockdown at SP College in Dumka. Student leaders denounced the university’s decision to slash the college’s undergraduate seats from 5,570 down to 2,820, calling it a direct blow to student welfare that threatens the academic futures of thousands of youths.
Representatives pointed out that numerous impoverished, tribal, rural, and economically disadvantaged students rely heavily on public colleges for higher education. They warned that such massive seat reductions will exclude a vast number of aspirants from pursuing their degrees. The committee has demanded an immediate rollback of the cut orders to ensure enrollment for every eligible candidate. Additionally, they pressed for the resumption of the LL.B. course at SP College, the reinstatement of essential subjects like geography, and a speedy resolution to pending grievances concerning B.Ed. colleges.
Warning of an escalation, student leaders declared that if the university administration fails to take positive action within three days, an indefinite lockdown and a wider agitation will begin at the Sidho Kanhu Murmu University headquarters in Dumka starting Monday, August 10. The committee emphasized that the protest is a fight for equal educational opportunities and the protection of the future of youth across Santhal Pargana, while urging university authorities to prioritize student interests.
The lockdown demonstration saw the participation of hundreds of students alongside prominent figures including Dr. Shyamdev Hembrom, Rajiv Baskski, Rajendra Murmu, Ramkrishna Tudu, Ritesh Murmu, Sanjay Kisku, Martha Soren, Meena Soren, Anamika Hansda, Subasten Murmu, Julius Marandi, Baburam Tudu, Mathias Hembrom, Reshmi Hembrom among others.
