Patna: The agitation launched by the teachers, non-teaching staff and students of Patna University (PU) against proposed changes to the university’s basic structure continued for the fourth consecutive day on Friday.With teachers and non-teaching staff of the university remaining on mass casual leave in support of their demands, all academic activities, including teaching, examinations, and admissions remained completely paralyzed.Protesting employees held a large demonstration at the university headquarters, raised slogans in support of their demands, and carried placards and posters. They also formed a human chain from the PU office to Patna College grounds to press their demands. A signature campaign was launched opposing the proposed government move to amend the Patna University Act, 1976, which protesters say would end the university’s distinct identity.Teachers and other staff held a day-long dharna at the historic Wheeler Senate Hall where the gathering was addressed by members of the senate and syndicate, along with representatives of PU Teachers Association (PUTA), PU Employees Association (PUEA) and PU College Employees Union (PUCEU).PUTA president Sheo Sagar Prasad said a joint meeting of representatives of teachers’ and employees’ associations of different universities in the state will be held here on Saturday to discuss the what they described as an attack on university autonomy and democratic rights, and to decide the future course of action.—
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