Utkal University Cracks Down on Illegal Occupants in Staff Quarters
Students Demand Safer Campus as Authorities Issue Eviction Notices
Bhubaneswar : After completing the eviction of outsiders from boys’ hostels, Utkal University has now launched a fresh drive to clear unauthorised occupants from its staff quarters inside the Vani Vihar campus.
The university has nearly 200 staff quarters meant for teaching and non-teaching employees. However, officials revealed that at least 12 to 14 of these have been illegally occupied by outsiders for years. In addition, around 40 quarters are lying in ruins, with plans underway for renovation.
The issue came to the forefront on Tuesday when a group of students stormed into the vice-chancellor’s office, demanding swift action against the illegal occupants. They alleged that staff quarters, reserved exclusively for university employees, had been rented out to outsiders. Students further expressed concern over the unlawful settlement of slum dwellers near the university boundary, which they said compromises campus security.
Clarifying the situation, university authorities said the quarters had been encroached upon after being left unused by retired staff. ACP (Zone-5) Bishwaranjan Senapati confirmed that notices had already been issued to the unauthorised residents, directing them to vacate immediately. “If they fail to comply, police force will be deployed to evict them,” he said.
Registrar Swati Mishra added that the university is working with the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) to remove slum dwellers from nearby areas. Notices have also been served to them as part of the coordinated eviction plan.
The university administration hopes the drive will help restore order on campus, free up quarters for genuine staff members, and improve the overall safety of the Vani Vihar premises.
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