Private institute students fined for skipping classes on Jan 22

Pankaj Sharma

Nahan, January 24

Himachal Group of Institution, Paonta Sahib, yesterday threatened to expel 85 students for attending local functions of the consecration of Lord Ram idol at Ayodhya on January 22.

The institute management imposed a fine of Rs 2,500 on about 85 students for staying out of the campus on January 22 and threatened to expel them if the fine was not paid. This enraged some organisations in Paonta Sahib, which created a ruckus at the gate of the institute this afternoon.

On January 22, the Ramlalla Pran Pratishtha ceremony was celebrated across the country. The state government had declared a public holiday so that employees of various departments and students of educational institutions could participate in the programme.

After the official announcement of holiday, students left the institute to participate in the consecration ceremony and did not attend classes. Despite a public holiday, the institute punished them for remaining absent without permission. On January 23, all 85 students were made to stand outside their classes and were threatened with expulsion from the institute if the fine was not paid.

The members of various organisations protested outside the college gate and raised slogans against its management. They demanded a high-level inquiry into the matter. Seeing the situation worsening, the local administration intervened. The DSP, Paonta Sahib, and the Tehsildar reached the spot and tried to pacify the demonstrators as well as the administration of the institute. Peace prevailed after their intervention.

It was agreed to send the head of the department (HoD) concerned on leave till February 5 as the protesters demanded action against him for issuing such harsh orders. Paonta Sahib Tehsildar Rishabh Sharma said the dispute was resolved amicably between the college management and the demonstrators.

Inquiry ordered

As soon as the matter came to my notice, I gave instructions to waive the fine imposed on the students. An internal inquiry will be conducted. The HOD of pharmacy has been sent on leave till the inquiry is completed. — Rahul Kaushal, ceo, himachal institute of dental science and pharmacy, Paonta Sahib

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