KOCHI: The Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) has postponed commencement of classes for the first year BTech course by one week. The varsity authorities informed that classes would begin only on August 10, instead of August 3, and that all regular classes had been suspended until August 5.
The decision came in the wake of the ongoing conflict between students and varsity authorities over providing hostel facility to nine girl students.
On Thursday night, students who gathered to register their protest had gheraoed the registrar, Pro-vice-chancellor and the warden, demanding a solution for the hostel issue. The agitating students withdrew only after the Kalamassery police arrived and lathi-charged them.
The decision to postpone the classes was taken at a meeting of heads of departments held to review the situation, on Friday morning. “It has been decided to commence all regular classes on August 5. However, orientation classes for first year BTech students will be held on August 3 and 4 as scheduled,” said the registrar.
Referring to the unrest on the campus, the varsity authorities said all the occupants of students’ hostels had been directed to vacate. It has also been decided that students from the other states be granted entry into the hostels only on production of ID proof,” said the varsity authorities.
Pro-vice-chancellor K Poulose Jacob, presided over the meeting.