ABVP protests poor infra at Dehri PG College

The local unit of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) on Thursday staged a protest demonstration at the Government Post Graduate (PG) College, Dehri, against poor infrastructure, lack of amenities and vacant posts in the institution. The half-hour dharna was led by unit president Bala Sharma on the college campus.

Addressing the activists, Sharma said the college, the largest higher educational institution in lower Kangra, catered to thousands of students from distant areas. However, she alleged that the condition of the institution had become deplorable due to inadequate facilities and government neglect.

The students complained of insanitary conditions in toilets, non-availability of potable drinking water and the absence of sanitary pad vending machines despite repeated assurances. The ABVP activists demanded urgent repair and maintenance of the college building, main gate and provision of hostel facilities for girl students.

They also pressed for filling long-pending vacancies of clerical staff and faculty, particularly in history and chemistry. Sharma pointed out that although PG classes in MA, MCom, and MSc were introduced two years ago, the government had failed to provide sufficient infrastructure and faculty support to run the courses effectively.

The unit also called for the restoration of organisational elections of student unions in universities and government colleges, arguing that it was essential for promoting democratic participation among students. The protesters warned that if their demands were not addressed soon, they would intensify the agitation.