Students of Shailabala Women’s College in Cuttack staged a protest on Saturday demanding university status for their institution.
The agitation followed the Odisha government’s announcement of four new universities in Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, and Jharsuguda.
The protesters suspended classes and demonstrated in front of the college campus. They urged the government to recognise Shailabala Women’s College as a university, arguing that the demand has been pending for years. Students expressed disappointment that the state budget for 2026–27 ignored their long-standing appeal.
The agitating students warned that they would continue their protest until the government takes a concrete decision. They said the exclusion of Shailabala Women’s College from the new university list undermines the institution’s legacy and contribution to women’s education in Odisha.
Located near Katak Chandi Temple, Shailabala Women’s College is one of the oldest and most respected institutions for women’s education in India. Founded through the vision of Madhusudan Das and his adopted daughter Shailabala Das, the college has played a pioneering role in advancing higher education for women.
The Odisha government granted autonomous status to the college in 2017, and it currently remains affiliated with Rama Devi Women’s University in Bhubaneswar. Students argued that the college deserves full university status given its history, academic strength, and cultural significance.
