The students undergoing Integrated BEd and MEd courses under the FM University staged a dharana in front of the collectorate on Tuesday
They reiterated their demand for eligibility to appear Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test (OTET), Odisha Secondary School Teacher Eligibility Test (OSSTET) so that they could get into teacher service.
It may be noted the students had began their agitation three months back and had planned to hold a march from Baleswar to Bhubaneswar to vent their grievances. However, they were stopped en-route by the district administration. The students then staged a dharana in front of the collectorate seeking justice for them.
However , later it was called off after the district Collector gave them assurance that their issue would be addressed and the outcome would be communicated within 3 days .
The agitating students including girl students after lapse of about 25 days again sat on dharana in front of collectorate. They remained under open sky throughout night unmoved despite the district administration’s assurance.
Sub Collector Nilu Mohapatra, who held discussions late night with the students, failed to convince them. ADM Sambit Nayak also held again discussions with them .
Despite all attempts, the students were seen squatting demanding fulfillment of their genuine demand.