Koraput: A human rights complaint has been filed before the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), New Delhi, against the Central University of Odisha (CUO), Koraput, alleging systemic violations of students’ fundamental rights, administrative mismanagement and denial of basic amenities on the campus.The petitioner, Anup Kumar Patro, a Jeypore-based activist, has alleged “severe institutional decay” at the varsity and claimed that the rights of thousands of students are being compromised under what he described as a recurring “ad-hoc administration”. “Since its inception, the university has suffered from chronic leadership instability, resulting in administrative paralysis,” the complainant stated in his petition.
According to the complaint, CUO has had four regular vice-chancellors since 2009 and is currently being administered by an acting vice-chancellor. The petitioner argued that prolonged reliance on temporary leadership has weakened governance and accountability. “An acting administration typically lacks the legal mandate for long-term policy and financial decisions, leading to a total lack of accountability,” the complaint alleged.The petition claimed that the university has failed to conduct examinations for the agriculture and dairy science departments for nearly two years, leaving final-year students in a state of uncertainty. “This amounts to a direct violation of the Right to Education under Article 21A of the Constitution, as students’ academic progression has been stalled,” Patro stated.Serious allegations of administrative harassment have also been raised in the complaint. It alleged that five students were expelled in Oct 2024 without adherence to due process or the principles of natural justice. The petitioner also highlighted the alleged lack of basic amenities on the campus. “Despite being a Central University, the campus lacks clean drinking water, quality food and functional Wi-Fi facilities. This constitutes a violation of the Right to Life with Dignity under Article 21,” the petition stated.Another major concern flagged in the complaint relates to tribal students who, Patra claimed, have been denied govt fellowships and stipends due to delays in verification processes. “Many tribal students are facing severe financial distress because of the university’s inaction,” he alleged.Citing violations of Articles 14, 21 and 21A of the Constitution, the complainant has urged the NHRC to intervene urgently. Among the reliefs sought are an immediate spot inquiry into the allegations of academic mismanagement and student harassment, a recommendation to the ministry of education to appoint a permanent vice-chancellor and fill vacant faculty posts, provision of clean drinking water and health services, and immediate disbursement of pending scholarships.Acknowledging receipt of the complaint, the commission has assigned a diary number for further action. Meanwhile, efforts to contact vice-chancellor (in-charge) NC Panda for comments went unanswered.
