ABVP Stages Massive Protest Against Mismanagement at Pune University
ABVP Stages Massive Protest Against Mismanagement at Pune University
Pune: The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) organized a massive ‘Maha Aakrosh Morcha’ at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) to protest against the persistent issues faced by students over the past 2-3 years. The demonstration highlighted concerns about exam department mismanagement, the incomplete implementation of the free education scheme for girls, and the lack of basic facilities for students.
Despite repeated correspondence, discussions, and follow-ups, the university administration had not taken concrete steps to address these concerns. The recent changes in revaluation criteria were seen as a violation of students’ fundamental rights. Additionally, critical administrative positions, such as the registrar, exam controller, and dean, are currently held by temporary officers, contributing to operational inefficiencies.
Students residing on campus face daily challenges, including poor hostel conditions, deteriorating food quality, instances of drug use, and rodent infestations. The ABVP presented several demands, such as reducing the cost of answer sheet copies to Rs 100, publishing the academic calendar at the start of the year, and taking strict action against fraudulent colleges.
The protest march commenced at the university’s main gate and culminated in a public meeting near the administrative building. The intensity of the protest prompted the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, and Acting Registrar to engage directly with the agitated students. Following a 90-minute discussion with the ABVP delegation, the administration provided written assurances to address urgent issues immediately and review the remaining demands in upcoming meetings.
ABVP Western Maharashtra Regional Minister Atharva Kulkarni stated, “For years, the university administration has followed anti-student policies. Despite numerous petitions, meetings, and letters, these critical problems were ignored. Today, our protest compelled the administration to respond. We will continue to monitor the situation until all demands are met.”
Over 1,500 students from Pune, Ahilyanagar, and Nashik districts participated in the four-hour demonstration, raising slogans to express their dissatisfaction with the university’s functioning. The ABVP warned that if issues remain unresolved in the coming days, they would organize an even larger protest against the administration.
