Cuttack: Ravenshaw University vice-chancellor (VC) Arka Kumar Das Mohapatra on Thursday expressed confidence that the stand-off between hostel wardens and Cuttack Sadar MLA Prakash Chandra Sethi would be resolved soon, saying the varsity’s priority is to safeguard its academic environment and institutional reputation.“I have directed hostel caretakers to ensure students do not face any inconvenience, and I am personally monitoring all hostels. I have full faith in our teachers who discharge the hostel wardens’ duty in addition to their academic responsibilities,” the VC said after convening a meeting with wardens and deputy wardens to defuse the crisis triggered by the mass resignation of hostel authorities earlier this week.The impasse began after 29 wardens and deputy wardens, including chief warden Sudarshan Mishra, submitted their resignations on Aug 4, alleging misbehaviour by Sethi during a meeting on Aug 3 amid an unrest at East Hostel.Despite the resignations, Mohapatra said academic activities have not been affected. “Our teachers continue to take classes smoothly despite the developments. We have already held discussions with the wardens as well as MLA Sethi, and I am hopeful the issue will be resolved soon,” he said, adding that the warden’s duty is an additional responsibility of the teachers without any extra remuneration.Meanwhile, Ravenshaw University Teachers’ Association (RUTA) reiterated its support for chief warden Mishra and demanded that Sethi withdraw his complaint against him. “Though the MLA has filed his nomination for senate membership, the university has not yet issued any notification. There should be a clear protocol governing visits by public representatives to the university. We also demand that the MLA withdraw the letter submitted to the speaker against the chief warden,” said RUTA president Urmishree Bedamatta.Rejecting the allegations, Sethi said he would soon meet the governor and chancellor Hari Babu Kambhampati to present his version of events. “Some people are trying to defame the state govt by creating an unnecessary controversy. I will meet the governor and place the facts before him,” the MLA said.The campus continued to remain tense following the Aug 3 incident, although the university administration expressed hope that dialogue with all stakeholders would restore normalcy at the earliest.
