Students of Shailabala Women’s Autonomous College staged a determined night-long sit-in protest amid heavy rain and freezing temperatures, demanding that their institution be granted university status.

Defying directives from the college administration to vacate the premises, students continued their dharna through the night and were even seen preparing for their morning examinations at the protest site on Wednesday.

Memorandums Submitted to District Administration

During discussions held this week, both college authorities and student representatives agreed to submit separate memorandums to the Cuttack district administration seeking urgent intervention.

Responding to the delegation, the district collector of Cuttack reportedly stated that the primary hurdle in granting university status is the absence of title land in the name of the institution. According to the collector, recognition could proceed smoothly if the required land ownership issue is resolved.

However, the students and the Shailabala Alumni Association strongly rejected this explanation. Alumni members argued that similar land constraints have not uniformly applied to all state universities and questioned why the restriction is being treated as a barrier only in their case.

Allegations Against Authorities

Protesters alleged that attempts were being made to weaken the movement through indirect pressure, even though no senior administrative officials visited the protest site. Students maintained that their agitation would continue peacefully until a clear commitment is made by the state government.

Growing Support Across Cuttack

By Thursday morning, the protest had garnered significant support from several city-based organisations, including the Senior Citizens’ Mahasabha, Madhusmruti Suraksha Mancha, Greater Cuttack Movement, and Nilachakra Anusthan.

Intellectuals, social activists, and local groups extended moral backing, while calls were made to neighbourhood committees, puja committees, and community clubs to join the movement.

Focus on Women’s Education in Odisha

The students have vowed to intensify their agitation and broaden its scope to question the state government’s commitment to women’s education in Odisha.

They say the demand for university status is not just about administrative recognition but about securing better opportunities for thousands of present and future students of the historic institution.

As the protest continues to gain momentum, the issue has evolved beyond campus boundaries, emerging as a wider debate on higher education and women’s empowerment in the state.

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