Kailashahar (Tripura), Jun 22: An admission process meant to be seamless has spiraled into a heated controversy at Kailashahar Ramkrishna Mahavidyalaya, one of Tripura’s oldest and well known educational institutions.
The dispute centred around allegations that female students are being charged a ₹100 “cultural fee” despite the state government’s clear directive of free admission for all girls this year.
The Controversy
The admission period, which began on June 13, quickly saw troubling reports emerge. Students in college uniforms, reportedly operating from an ABVP “help desk,” were allegedly collecting money from female applicants and issuing receipts.
The alleged fee collection ignited widespread outrage among students and rapidly gained traction on social media, prompting swift protests from student organizations like the SFI and NSUI.
Both groups vehemently argue that any form of monetary collection from girls is unacceptable, given the government’s free admission policy.
A War of Words and Allegations
Student representatives confronted College Principal Dr. Pinaki Pal, demanding immediate refunds for the collected fees.
However, the college administration issued a notice negeting any institutional collection of funds. This official denial did little to quell the unrest, as fresh complaints surfaced, with many students reportedly too intimidated to speak out.
The situation escalated dramatically during science stream admissions. The ABVP accused SFI members of storming the college council room and vandalizing property on June 21.
The Kailashahar police, including the Officer-in-Charge and a large posse of security force, promptly reached the spot after the incident was reported.
Anup Kanti Majumder, ABVP divisional coordinator, squarely blamed the SFI, telling reporters, “SFI deliberately disrupted the peaceful admission process by creating chaos and resorting to vandalism. ABVP has not collected any money from students. SFI is spreading false propaganda on social media.”
He announced ABVP’s intention to demand a college investigation on Monday and threatened further action if their demands weren’t met.
Counter-Allegations & Administrative Absences
SFI divisional president Sahab Uddin, however, offered a starkly different narrative. He alleged that “some students misused ABVP’s name and illegally collected money from girls.”
Uddin further claimed that the vandalism in the council room was a deliberate act by these individuals to “divert attention” once their alleged illicit collections came to light.
He also raised concerns about the college council room, stating it should remain locked as no student union elections have been held in the college for the past seven years.
Uddin confirmed that the Principal has been apprised of the situation, and the SFI is pushing for the identification and punishment of those responsible, along with the refund of all collected money.
Adding to the turmoil, Principal Dr. Pinaki Pal has reportedly been absent from the campus since the incident. Allegations suggest that Dr. Pal frequently leaves the institution without delegating responsibility.
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“This administrative stagnation, coupled with the escalating conflict between student bodies, is increasingly disrupting the academic atmosphere”, locals alleged.
Sources within the college administration have voiced deep concern, warning that without swift intervention, the situation could worsen.
Parents and members of the broader academic community are also expressing apprehension over the events, fearing for the future of this esteemed institution.
