Over a month long hiatus came to an end on Wednesday as academic activities prevailed over the differences and tussle between groups of students at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS). Classes of under graduate started at its usual time amid the tight security in RIMS’ premises and attendance in classes reached 95 per cent.
Academic activities were suspended sine die on February 7 barely after five days of reported scuffle between two groups of students and several rounds of talks were held by officials of Health department to restore status quo at the premier medical institution.
“Around 120 students of a total of 129 have come back and attended classes. Still there are apprehension that atmosphere doesn’t get vitiated and for that we have static forces, mobile forces and our guards,” said Director RIMS, SK Chaudhary.
Students of MBBS heaved a sigh of relief with the level of security and other arrangements to keep an eye on wicked elements to prevent recurrence of the incident that turned the medical college premises into a war zone of budding doctors. Notably, several attempts by RIMS administration and Health department officials to mollify students claiming victim’s tag draw a blank until proper security arrangements were made and safety of students was ensured in the premises.
“We wanted security in the campus and at hostels. We always wanted to end the deadlock but we needed something to give us confidence and a shield against elements that used to manhandle us with impunity. Classes might have started but there is still fear in the back of our mind so we are moving in groups,” said a student seeking anonymity.
To dispel fear among under graduate students the RIMS’ administration is building up camaraderie with students and are maintaining a communication channel so as to address problems of students before it takes ugly turn.
“We are visiting hostels and trying to build relationship between students and teachers to solve their (students’) problems. Whatever lapses were there in the system will be eliminated,” pointed out Chaudhary.
The RIMS administration heaved a sigh of relief due to resumption of classes as it had drawn a lot of flak from parents, students, faculties and Health department officials for not taking timely action to prevent the differences between groups of students from taking sinister turn. The infighting had led to suspension of classes and hostels were vacated only after reallocating it in the presence of magistrate.