A group of girl students of Inder Kumar Gujral Punjab Technical University (IKG-PTU) staged a protest outside the main gate of the campus on Monday evening, demanding action against the Dean of Student Welfare over alleged discriminatory remarks and restrictions on their participation in a cultural event.
The protest began around 5pm and continued till late night after the girls claimed that they had sought permission to perform Dandiya with boys during the university’s festive programme. According to them, the Dean refused their request and allegedly made objectionable comments, insisting that only girls would be allowed to participate. Angered by what they called “gender discrimination and misconduct,” the students demanded the Dean’s immediate dismissal.
The agitating students also alleged that their appeals to the Vice Chancellor went unheard, leaving them with no option but to demonstrate at the campus gate. Slogans were raised against the university administration as the students blocked the entrance for several hours, drawing attention to their grievances.
Responding to the allegations, Vice Chancellor Dr. Sushil Mittal presented the administration’s version of the controversy. He clarified that the girls were never barred from playing Dandiya with boys. “They were permitted to perform till 8 pm However, the students wanted the timing extended until 10 pm. For security reasons, we could not allow the programme to go beyond the designated limit,” he said.
While the protestors continued to press for action against the Dean, the VC maintained that the matter was being blown out of proportion and assured that the administration was mindful of both students’ interests and safety concerns.
