Sadiya College Commerce Students Demand Immediate Action for Department Provincialisation

Protest by Commerce Students at Sadiya College

Sadiya, Dec 19: On Friday, students from the Commerce Department of Sadiya College took to the streets, voicing their demands for the immediate provincialisation of their department. They expressed concerns over years of neglect by the authorities, which they claim has adversely affected both educators and learners.

The protesting students highlighted that the Commerce stream was established in 2007 but has yet to receive provincial status, unlike the Arts and Science streams, which are already undergoing the process.

They argued that this ongoing delay has created a detrimental academic environment, jeopardizing the futures of numerous students pursuing commerce education in the area.

As the sole higher education institution in the region, Sadiya College has reportedly been charging increasing annual fees for Commerce students, ranging from Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000, which has placed a significant financial strain on them.

Many students have been compelled to halt their studies midway due to their inability to afford the rising fees.

Despite generating considerable revenue from nearly 300 Commerce students annually, the department allegedly lacks even basic academic facilities.

The students claimed that educators are not compensated fairly, classrooms are inadequate, and scheduling conflicts often force them to attend lectures in corridors and on verandahs.

During the demonstration, students raised serious concerns regarding fund management, noting that the department operates with a limited number of teachers without ensuring proper pay.

They cautioned that ongoing neglect and financial instability for teachers could ultimately lead to the closure of the Commerce Department, threatening the academic prospects of many students in the border region.

A student protester stated, “We have united because the Commerce stream began in 2007, yet it remains unprovincialised. Consequently, Commerce students face high fees, while their peers in Arts and Science enjoy classes without such financial burdens.”

Another student added, “Around Rs 15 lakh is collected from Commerce students each year, yet we lack proper classrooms, facilities, and adequate teaching staff. When we approached the principal, we were informed that the college is following directives from higher authorities. We urge the Chief Minister to extend the same support to Commerce students as has been provided to others across Assam.”

The protesters called for the immediate provincialisation of the Commerce Department, timely and fair payment of teachers’ salaries, and the establishment of essential infrastructure, including classrooms and teaching personnel.

They appealed to both the government and the college administration to take prompt action to safeguard the interests of students and educators alike.