Tension at engineering college in Odisha capital as students protest over offline classes

Bhubaneswar: Tension ran high at Silicon Institute of Technology here today after hundreds of students gathered on the campus to protest over offline classes and examinations at the institute at a time when the state is witnessing a sudden rise in COVID-19 daily cases.

Wearing masks, the agitating students blocked the entrance of the college and shouted slogans demanding conduct of online classes as well as all examinations.

“We all are aware of the current situation arising out of the new Omicron variant of COVID-19. The number of cases are on rise, especially in the capital city. Despite the state Government’s restrictions, the college authorities is conducting offline classes. We have no option but to go to the college to attend classes and appear in offline exams,” said a student.

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The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) should consider the matter seriously and take actions accordingly for the safety of students, he added.

Earlier on January 5, the state Government, while issuing fresh COVID guidelines for this month, directed schools and colleges till Class 12 to conduct online classes. The guidelines that came into effect from 5 AM of January 7, 2022 (today) will remain force till 5 AM of February 1, 2022.