Central University of Kerala to remain closed as hostel mediation talks fail
KASARGOD: The mediatory talks between Central University of Kerala (CUK) vice-chancellor Dr G. Gopakumar and students over the hostel issue on Thursday failed to reach an amicable solution. The classes will remain suspended even after one week as students didn’t accept the formula put forward by the varsity. The university authorities proposed to bear additional expenses for facilities if the students take care of the food and building rent. Students said their representatives would meet Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan soon to discuss the issue. They are protesting in the varsity since July 18 demanding adequate facilities and classes have been suspended from July 19.
During the talks, the university put forward two suggestions — either take rented buildings for hostels or accept one more student in each room of the existing hostels. “If the students can bear the expenses for building and food, the varsity is happy to provide transportation, security and furniture for the students,” said CUK Registrar Dr. A. Radhakrishnan Nair. “If they can accept a third student in the two–person room, we will provide them additional space for study and canteen,” he added. The university also expressed willingness to reopen the classes if the students give in writing that they would not protest by occupying the buildings.
The students rejected this proposal. Apart from VC and Registrar, finance officer B.R. Prasanna Kumar, Student Welfare Dean Amrit G. Kumar and hostel wardens took part in the meeting with students. In a press release issued after the meeting, the students said that the university took a negative attitude to their demands. “The suggestion to accept one more student in each room will affect the learning atmosphere. Their offer of building extra facilities was proposed a year ago,” the release said which they haven’t fulfilled yet,” the release said. “We will continue protest without obstructing the academic activities but the University is not ready to reopen the classes,” the release added.
