Students Protest at Himachal Pradesh University with Hunger Strike

Students Demand Better Facilities at Mohali Campus

Mohali

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) organized a 24-hour symbolic hunger strike at the Regional Centre of Himachal Pradesh University in Mohali. This protest was aimed at highlighting the inadequate infrastructure and what they described as 'stepmotherly treatment' from both the university administration and the state government.

According to ABVP Himachal Pradesh State Co-Minister Abhinav Chaudhary, the Mohali campus, being the sole regional center of the university, is severely lacking in essential amenities such as hostels, an auditorium, and adequate grounds. He expressed concern that students arriving from various parts of the state are disheartened by the poor condition of the campus, stating, 'When they see the dilapidated entrance and neglected infrastructure, they question their choice to study here.'

Chaudhary further criticized the administration for neglecting the center since its establishment, comparing the campus to 'a shelter for stray animals instead of a university.' He also pointed out that the Vice Chancellor has not fulfilled promises made during a visit five months ago, emphasizing that 'not even a single brick has been laid' since then.

The protesting students are also calling for the immediate resumption of long-delayed student union elections and the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP 2020). The ABVP has warned that if their demands are not addressed, they are ready to escalate their protest into more aggressive actions, including potential campus lockouts.