RBU classes shifted to Jorasanko campus

KOLKATA: Constant student clashes and space crunch at the BT Road campus have forced the fine arts department of Rabindra Bharati University to shift its classes to its former home at Jorasanko.
Though some blamed the move on continuous student upheaval, vice-chancellor Karuna Sindhu Das explained, "A few months ago, the executive council decided to hold practical classes of fine arts courses at our Jorasanko campus since the existing campus does not have adequate infrastructure.It is absolutely wrong to say that classes have been shifted following clashes."
Convener of Fine Arts Teachers' Association Gautam Nath, too, justified, "Shortage of space has prompted us to shift classes to Jorasanko. We will begin with the semester system and as a result it was not possible to hold so many classes in one campus." However, he admitted that unrest on the BT Road campus is posing a security threat for teachers.
On Wednesday, vocal music classes had to be suspended after supporters of Trinamool Chhatra Parishad and Students' Federation of India (SFI) clashed with each other.
Speaking on the present atmosphere on the campus, fine arts faculty dean Somnath Sinha said, "On Wednesday, classes had to be called off due to student violence. Since last four years, we have protested since infrastructure was not adequate. After taking up the post of dean, I have been trying to bring the problems to the notice of the authorities. I placed my demand in front of the vice-chancellor. It was then decided that since Jorasanko already has infrastructure, we will hold the practical classes in our former campus."
Regarding the existing student unrest, the vice-chancellor said, "We will not tolerate this kind of situation. The university will take strong action henceforth. I will inform the chancellor about the prevailing situation.
On Thursday, we spoke to students, teachers and non-teaching staff. We will convene a meeting between all stakeholders very soon. I received deputations from the students as well as teachers of fine arts department. The students have said that they are sorry for the trouble. I hope good sense will prevail."
Chhatra Parishad, however, washed its hands off from taking any responsibility behind the unrest. Chairman of Chhatra Parishad Baishwanar Chattopadhyay said, "We deny the role of any of our supporters in the trouble created inside RBU campus." If anyone is creating trouble, it is their sole responsibility. We promote smooth functioning of educational institutions."
On Thursday, SFI members along with state secretary Sayandeep Mitra went to meet the vc and handover a deputation. "SFI supporters could not go with us and handover the deputation simply out of fear. The atmosphere inside the university does not promote a safe environment for learning. Students irrespective of political affiliations go to study in the varsities. The vc has assured us that from Monday, the university will take responsibility for the safety and security of our students. In case they fail, we will have to draw a plan for a movement."