Students of Jyotivihar Junior College speak to the principal. Telegraph picture

Sambalpur, Aug. 2: Tension ran high at Jyotivihar Junior College at Burla with students boycotting classes for two days running and demanding action against two teachers for allegedly scolding a student.

The students called off their agitation only after the authorities had assured them that the staff council would meet on August 8 to discuss the matter.

The students alleged that a botany teacher misbehaved with Arati Giri, a Plus Two second-year science student on July 28, in the classroom. She had abused and scolded Arati in front of other students.

On July 30, the students boycotted classes demanding action against the teacher.

Arati Giri said: “I used to take botany tuition from her. But, I stopped attending her classes as I started preparing for my entrance examinations and joined another coaching class. The teacher developed a grouse against me as I had left her coaching centre.”

“She abused and scolded me in front of the students. Though the principal was present, yet he did not stop the teacher,” said Arati.Arati’s father Umesh said: “I had complained to the principal about the episode, but no action was taken. We send our children here for higher education. They are being ill treated for not joining tuition classes conducted by the teachers.”

“This is not an isolated incident in this college. The teachers here are forcing us to join their private tuition classes. The students, who do not join their classes, have to face all sorts of trouble. Earlier, we had also complained against a physics teacher of the college. It’s time that the principal should take action against both of the teachers,” said Sushsmita Priyadarshini Suna, another student.

The agitation was withdrawn after the two teachers had apologised to the students. Satybrata Samal, principal of Jyotivihar Junior College, said: “The two teachers have apologised to the students. There will be a staff council meeting on August 8 and the matter will be discussed. The students will resume classes from tomorrow.”