Namchi: Students at NIT Sikkim, Rabongla, have entered the fourth day of their strike, surpassing 40 hours, demanding attention to their basic needs and expressing dissatisfaction with the institution’s overall welfare.
The strike commenced on February 12, 2024, continuing through the night and into February 13. The protesting students are seeking dialogue with the Director of NIT Sikkim, Rabongla, Mahesh Chandra Govil, who has been reportedly inaccessible since the start of the strike.
The students, enduring chilly weather, camped outside the Director’s residence till the morning of February 13, only to discover his absence. They then shifted their protest to the main gate and continued their strike. The conditions of the institution, including hostel facilities and food services, were highlighted as major concerns by the students.
On the morning of February 14, the Director assured an online interaction, leading the students to return to their rooms after 8:30 pm on the second night of the strike. However, while protesting peacefully on February 14, a bus nearly ran over the students, further emphasising their claims of institutional negligence.
Late evening on February 13, the students were promised an online interaction with Director Mahesh Chandra Govil at 11 am on February 14. Despite this assurance, the students said they did not find support from the administration or teachers. The protesting students who were hoping to find justice for their cause, expressed disappointment in the Director’s unexpected blaming and threat during a phone interaction on February 14.
The ongoing strike stems from long-standing issues faced by the students at NIT Sikkim, Rabongla. Senior students, having completed their studies and now placed across the country, mentioned that institutional problems are often overlooked until extreme situations prompt students to raise their voices. The current strike, driven by the institution’s monopoly, is centred around a few key demands.
Firstly, the reinstatement of the former Training and Placement Cell team, with Dr Dhananjay Triphati designated as the Faculty in charge, is sought. If Dr Triphati declines, TNP members will select their faculty in charge. The second demand is the establishment of a student body to represent student concerns, fostering better communication for improved administrative advocacy, transparency, and enhanced food and lodging facilities.
The third demand insists on regular monitoring of outlined demands by a governmental or organizational entity. The fourth demand requires Dr Gajendra Singh Shekawat to issue a formal apology for his remarks, with resignation expected in case of refusal.
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The students expressed dissatisfaction with the Director’s response and are actively seeking alternative avenues to voice their demands and grievances. Saraswati Puja 2024 proves to be a challenging period for the bright minds of NIT Sikkim, Rabongla.
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