Education news
SRFTI Kolkata Campus Closure Extended Till 11 December Amid Student Protests
· Source: Amar Ujala
Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata has extended the closure of its campus until 11 December following ongoing student protests. The institute previously suspended academic activities and instructed students to vacate the premises within 24 hours.
Campus Closure and Background
Authorities at Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata, have extended the campus closure order until 11 December. This decision was taken after consulting the Deans of the Film and Electronic and Digital Media (EDM) wings amid continuous student demonstrations that have been ongoing since 27 September.
- Protests initially began after alleged attacks on students during an event organized by the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat on campus.
- The agitation intensified following another alleged attack during a rally by the Bangiya Hindu Jagran Manch on 4 October.
- On 16 October, the institute suspended academic activities in the Film and EDM wings and instructed all students to vacate the campus within 24 hours.
Important Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 27 September | Student protests began at the SRFTI campus |
| 4 October | Agitation intensified after a second alleged attack during a rally |
| 13 October | Film and digital media classes were suspended till 13 November |
| 16 October | Academic activities suspended in Film and EDM wings; order issued to vacate campus in 24 hours |
| 11 December | Extended date up to which the campus remains closed |
Allegations Raised by Agitating Students
Students have accused the administration of collective punishment rather than resolving the crisis. They released a statement titled 'How long will this administrative failure continue?' expressing serious concerns regarding their privacy, safety, and freedom of movement.
- Services of two contractual faculty members have been terminated.
- Services of five resource persons have been ended.
- A show-cause notice was issued to a faculty member for allegedly helping bring renowned cinematographer and documentary filmmaker Ranjan Palit to the campus to conduct a workshop.
- Students alleged they are being deprived of essential amenities such as food, drinking water, electricity, and Wi-Fi.
Administration's Response and Student Demands
SRFTI authorities stated that the security measures are necessary, citing allegations of intimidation, physical abuse, and vandalism by students. Officials claimed that some protesting students are influenced by 'external elements' and are politicizing the matter, noting that students continue to occupy hostel facilities despite instructions to leave.
- Students demand accountability from institute authorities.
- Students are seeking an immediate restoration of normal academic and campus life.
- Students urge the administration to resolve the crisis instead of using repressive measures.
Questions
Until what date is the SRFTI campus ordered to remain closed?
The SRFTI Kolkata campus has been ordered to remain closed till 11 December.
Why did the students start protesting at SRFTI?
The protests began on 27 September after alleged attacks on students during an event by the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat, and intensified after another alleged incident during a Bangiya Hindu Jagran Manch rally on 4 October.
What disciplinary actions have been alleged against faculty and resource persons?
According to the students, two contractual faculty members and five resource persons had their services terminated, and one faculty member was served a show-cause notice.
What is the SRFTI administration's reason for the shutdown?
The administration cited safety measures in response to allegations of intimidation, physical abuse, vandalism, and the involvement of external elements politicizing the issue.
Written in English by Disha Stars from the Amar Ujala report (read the original in Hindi). Check dates and links on the official website before you act.
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