CHENNAI: Aggrieved over renting out their playground for a leading South Indian actor’s family event, over 60 students of YMCA College of Physical Education organised a sit-in protest on Monday.
“Temporary toilets, washbasins were placed on athletic tracks which we have never entered with slippers as a mark of respect,” said Vivin, one of the protesting students.
Appu, another student said, “Waste was spread all over our ground and in the name of cleaning activities under the NSS, we were asked to clear all the used plates, paper cups left by those who attended the event.”
The students alleged that this was not an isolated incident, as the grounds were either rented out during the weekends for private functions, school events or permanently leased out to third parties.
“As a result of this, we were not given access to the facilities for which we pay a hefty amount every year”, said Amaran, another student. He added that since the amount paid by the students for maintenance and development of the grounds was not to proper use, the grounds are in bad shape now. “By practicing in these uneven grounds, the students’ fitness is put to test,” said Victor, who had an ankle twist while sprinting last week.
The students also alleged that two of their college staff intimidated them for raising their voice earlier. So, they demanded the college to take action against those two staff immediately as they prevented them from taking their complaints to the higher authorities in the institution.
Speaking to Express, College Correspondent and Secretary, A J Manohar said, “We have decided not to hire out the athletics ground for social or any non-sport activities from now.” He said the students have suddenly come up with a stir before representing formally and have taken the college for ransom. “So, YMCA has decided to suspend all the protesting students and their parents will be intimated about this.