Did Andhra University students end their protest over a colleague's death?
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Synopsis
After a tragic incident, Andhra University students have temporarily ended their protests. A committee has been formed to address their demands, raising questions about campus safety and medical support. The recent unrest highlights ongoing issues within university administration and the vital need for improved healthcare facilities for students.
Key Takeaways
- Students halted protests after assurances from university officials.
- A committee has been formed to address demands.
- Concerns raised over medical facilities on campus.
- Vice Chancellor faced criticism for administrative negligence.
- Government open to discussions with student unions.
Visakhapatnam, Sep 26 (NationPress) Students at Andhra University have decided to halt their protests regarding the tragic passing of a fellow student after university officials declared the formation of a committee to address their concerns.
Triveni, an officer from the Cooperative Society, visited the campus as a representative of the District Collector and unveiled plans for a committee that will include the superintendent of King George Hospital (KGH), the principal of Andhra Medical College, and another medical expert.
Students presented a list of 10 demands to the officials. Vice-Chancellor G. P. Rajasekhar assured them that the committee would attend to these issues before the conclusion of the Dussehra festival.
The atmosphere at Andhra University became tense following widespread unrest over the death of V. Venkata Sai Manikantha, a B.Ed student who tragically passed away on Thursday in the Satavahana hostel. This incident sparked significant protests among the student body.
Students voiced their belief that the death could have been prevented if adequate medical support had been available on campus. They expressed dissatisfaction with the university's inadequate medical facilities and perceived administrative neglect.
Protesters criticized Vice Chancellor Rajasekhar for his lack of responsibility. Tensions escalated on Thursday when students marched to his office, claiming he disregarded their concerns and referred to them as a mob.
On Friday morning, the protests persisted outside the registrar's office, where students chanted slogans against the Vice-Chancellor upon his arrival. They called for the police presence to be withdrawn from campus and demanded a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the deceased student's family.
A minor clash occurred between the protesters and police, prompting intervention from the district administration to restore order.
In response to the protests, university authorities advanced the start of Dussehra holidays by a day. Originally scheduled from September 28 to October 5, holidays were announced to commence from September 27 due to the unrest.
The student wing of the YSR Congress Party claimed that Manikanta's death was a result of insufficient oxygen cylinders in the university's dispensary.
“Students are furious and protesting against the Vice Chancellor's gross negligence, demanding his resignation. However, the true accountability lies with Education Minister Nara Lokesh and his administration, which has failed to provide even basic healthcare for students within universities, exposing the serious failures of the education ministry under his leadership,” stated the student wing of YSRCP.
During a session in the Assembly, Lokesh accused certain factions of intentionally trying to disrupt higher education institutions. He mentioned that the government is open to discussions with the student union to resolve their grievances.
Point of View
The events unfolding at Andhra University reflect a growing concern regarding student welfare and administrative accountability in educational institutions. While the formation of a committee is a step forward, it underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in student healthcare services, emphasizing that student voices must be prioritized in decision-making processes.
NationPress
26/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the protests at Andhra University?
The protests were sparked by the tragic death of a B.Ed student, V. Venkata Sai Manikantha, which students attributed to inadequate medical facilities on campus.
What actions did the university administration take in response to the protests?
The administration announced the formation of a committee to address the students' demands and advanced the Dussehra holidays by a day.
What were the main demands of the protesting students?
Students presented 10 demands, including better medical support on campus and compensation for the deceased student's family.
Who is responsible for the medical facilities at the university?
The responsibility for the university's medical facilities lies with the administration, specifically the Vice Chancellor and the Education Minister.
How did the local government respond to the protests?
The local government, represented by the District Collector, intervened to restore order and address the students' concerns.
