Nursing college row: Students protest overnight in cold, demand action | Chandigarh News - The Times of India

Hisar: The controversy surrounding alleged irregularities and harassment at Khushi College of Nursing in Kagsar village of Hansi district intensified as students staged an overnight protest in biting cold, refusing to withdraw until action is taken against the management.The protest, which began at the college gate Friday afternoon, continued through the night into Saturday, with students spending hours in open fields under tarpaulin sheets amid plummeting temperatures. The protesters said they were no longer willing to accept verbal assurances and would settle only for concrete action.The students alleged that despite approaching the govt, district administration, police and the Women's Commission for over a month, no effective steps were taken. They claimed to have submitted over 50 complaints and sent repeated emails, but the authorities failed to act.Late Friday night, the SDM and the DSP reached the protest site and sought time until Monday evening to resolve the matter. However, when the students demanded written assurances, the officials reportedly left without committing in writing.Another administrative team later attempted to pacify the protesters, but the students reiterated that they wanted action, not promises.The protesters' key demands include the arrest of the college director and the migration of all students to a recognised nursing college. They said representations were sent to chief minister Nayab Singh Saini, health minister Aarti Rao, education minister Mahipal Dhanda and Women's Commission chairperson Renu Bhatia, but alleged that no concrete action followed.The students levelled multiple allegations against the college management, including non-implementation of mandatory hospital duty, shortage of teaching staff -- with only two women teachers for around 300 students, poor quality food, frequent power cuts, lack of medical facilities and inadequate security for women.They further alleged that students who raised concerns were threatened with cancellation of admissions, withholding of degrees and retention of original documents. The protesters said they would continue their agitation until strict action was taken and their right to a safe and dignified academic environment was ensured.MSID:: 126205222 413 |Caption: Students stage a sit-in outside nursing college.