Bhubaneswar, Feb. 22 -- The demand to grant university status to Shailabala Women's Autonomous College has sparked fresh discussions, with Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj reacting to the issue. He stated that the government has not ignored the demand but is giving it thoughtful consideration.

The Minister clarified that priority would first be given to infrastructure development, followed by strengthening the academic environment. He assured that the state government would take an appropriate decision at the right time.

On Saturday, students staged a day-long sit-in protest pressing for their demand. Barabati-Cuttack MLA Sofia Firdous and BJP leader Sritam Das reached the protest site and held discussions with the students. ...