The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has directed the Higher Education Department Principal Secretary and the Ravenshaw University Registrar to conduct an inquiry if as many as 380 girl students of the Bhargabi Hostel had not been served lunch on July 24 and submit a report within four weeks.
The OHRC issued this notice on a petition filed by lawyer Chittaranjan Mohanty, who alleged that the hostel boarders were not served launch for opposing fee hike decision of the university.
“All 380 boarders of the Bhargabi Women’s Hostel were not served their lunch on July 24. Besides, while the boarders wanted to meet the Vice Chancellor to place a grievance before him, they were not allowed by the Chief Warden and Warden of the hostel,” he alleged.
Stating that by depriving the students of lunch and, thereby, keeping them hungry all the day, authorities have violated students’ human rights and right to life as well. Hence, an amount of Rs 5,000 should be paid to each boarder as compensation, he demanded.