Students of the Utkal University in Bhubaneswar on Friday surrounded the postgraduate council office demanding speedy implementation of the ambitious Wi-Fi campus project.

Carrying placards and shouting slogans, the students had squatted before the office for about an hour. Their demands include a special police station on the campus, hostel renovation, new books for the Parija library and filling-up of the vacancies. “We have been hearing of the Wi-Fi proposal for years. It’s time for us to leave the university, but there is no Wi-Fi in sight,” said Gautam, a student.

“For the past three years, we have been drawing the attention of the authorities towards the deplorable condition of our hostels. Every monsoon, the water pours in through the windows. The lavatories are in bad condition. But, our pleas have only fallen on deaf ears,” said Akash, another student.

The students also alleged that there were no books in the library and that the “library automation” that was being talked of during each major university function, was seen nowhere. “Classes are running without teachers. How do they expect us to learn without teachers,” he rued.

The students also raised concerns about campus violence and safety of women because of unchecked entry of the outsiders.

They announced that they would take up protest in a larger scale had no action been taken by next week.

Talking to The Telegraph PG Council chairman P.K. Mishra said his duty was restricted to academic activities. “For all other matters, the university office is responsible. The students are creating disturbance here because of their ignorance about the matter,” said Mishra.

“However, we have convened a meeting of the concerned officials and will discuss the issues,” he said.

Text: Priya Abraham, Picture: Ashwinee Pati