Protest by college students, bandh observed in Budhal

Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Oct 10: Students of Govt Degree College Budhal, which is presently functioning in the premises of Govt Higher Secondary School for boys, today boycotted classes on the second consecutive day today and took out a protest march while the town observed complete bandh.
The students of the college assembled in the premises of Higher Secondary School and then after boycotting classes came out in the main bazaar. Under the leadership head boy, Zahid Malik they started protest demonstration against the Higher Education authorities and R&B Department. For rendering support, the locals of the area also joined and they closed the market.
The students alleged that the Government sanctioned this college at Budhal in 2007 and funds to the tune of Rs 4.95 crore were also sanctioned and some funds released to the R&B authorities but till date the college building is no where in sight. They said that this college with strength of over 350 is being run in just 2-3 rooms and with this, the students of Higher Secondary School are also suffering. The Pahari Students Union of Budhal led by Shahnwaz Khaki area also joined the agitation today. The other students from other school also joined them. Zahid pointed out that the work at the proposed site for one block was started but it has been abandoned. The R&B agency was supposed to construct five blocks but even first one has been abandoned after digging plinth and raising a few incomplete walls. The strength of the students is increasing day by day but authorities were not serious over it.
The local leaders and social activists while addressing the gathering condemned the District Administration, Rajouri and even Tehsil authorities Kotranka for remaining silent spectators. They said even the DC did not bother to send an officer on the spot or issue necessary directions to the concerned agency in this regard. The students have warned to launch fast unto death as the authorities have turned deaf and dumb.