Chief minister Naveen Patnaik attends the annual function of BJB Autonomous College in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, March 1: Chief minister Naveen Pattnaik attended the BJB College students’ union function, which was organised by the BJB autonomous college here today. He said: “Quality education is the need of the hour. If utilised properly, it can be a major tool for bringing in a much-needed social change.”

“The state already houses premier institutes such as IIT, IIIT and the National Law College and there is a huge opportunity for the students to build a rewarding career and contribute towards development of the state,” Naveen added. The campus, till yesterday, had remained tensed over the selection of guests for this event.

Two groups of students stood divided over the choice of guests. A group of students even locked the gates, protesting against the selection of guests, which lead to tension on the campus. The matter was solved after the college authorities intervened. However, the function was conducted smoothly and no untoward incident was reported from the campus.

The students demanded better hostel facilities and a central library. Minister of housing and urban development, Badri Narayan Patra, Bhubaneswar MLA Ashok Panda, president Biju Chattra Dal, Ranjit Patra and mayor, Anata Jena, attended the function that was marked by several cultural events.