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Committee to probe student unrest in Bengal Engineering and Science University
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SPECIALCORRESPONDENT on 27 March, 2008 07:30:00
 
The Bengal Engineering and Science University (Besu) authorities have urged the
state government to form an enquiry committee under the chairmanship of an
eminent educationalist to probe into the recent student unrest in the campus and
also suggest remedial measures to prevent such incidents from recurring.
“A letter in this regard has been sent to the state government after the
board of management's meeting last night. We expect a positive response in this
regard, soon,” said Prof NR Banerjea, Vice-Chancellor, Besu.
A meeting was held with heads of all departments today to discuss the various
measures that could be taken to restore peace in the campus. The authorities are
considering allotment of hostel rooms to students at random.
So long, authorities allowed students to select hostel rooms according to their
preference. This led to students belonging to same political affiliation staying
in one hostel. “A head of the department said that around 32 students have
submitted written appeals asking the authorities to protect them from repeated
threats from other students. Another head added that some students are being
prevented by other students from appearing in the examination,” said Prof
Banerjea.
A code of conduct would be implemented and students who flout the regulations
would be tackled with an iron hand. The Vice-Chancellor further stressed that
the authorities would not relax the norms under any circumstances.
The head of the departments have also been asked to discuss the issue with
students individually as well as in group. Meanwhile, students conducted a
sit-in in front of Metro channel today. They were accompanied by students of
other institutes including Jadavpur University, Presidency College and Calcutta
Medical College and Hospital.
Even some members of Global Alumni Association, Besu joined in the protest.
“We demand the authorities to withdraw the FIRs that have been lodged
against a couple of students without proper verification,” said Shyamasis
Das, spokesperson, IC.