The Progressive Sambalpur held a dharna in front of the main gate of the Gangadhar Meher University (formerly GM Autonomous College) demanding filling of vacancies of teaching and non-teaching staff.
Citizens from all walks of life took part in the dharna to extend their support to the cause as several problems beset the 70-year-old institution robbing it of its past glory.
“The institution has been upgraded to a university this year after demand from the students and the common people. But staff shortage and poor infrastructure are the perennial problems of the university since decades. No development has been marked in the institution after it went for the up gradation,” alleged Progressive Sambalpur convenor Sanjit Mohanty.
Mohanty apart, a good number of eminent personalities of the town including retired bureaucrats, former professors, social workers, journalists and Government employees also extended their wholehearted support to the stir. Students were also present as it is they who are at the receiving end of the problems of the university.
Advisor of the organisation Prof Dillip Panda demanded filling of vacancies in the GM University with top priority since the institution is catering to the needs of the entire State for higher education of the students and many brilliant students come here every year for admission.
Notably, Higher Education Secretary Gagan Kumar Dhal who visited GM University just five days back had assured the students, staff and the citizens that the vacancies of the institution would be filled in very soon.