Governor assures to review cluster plan after Jharia MLA, Dhanbad mayor raise students’ concerns

Dhanbad: A delegation led by Jharia MLA Ragini Singh and Dhanbad mayor Sanjiv Singh met governor-cum-chancellor Santosh Gangwar at Raj Bhavan and submitted a memorandum opposing the proposed cluster system in Binod Bihari Mahto Koyalanchal University (BBMKU).

Singh voiced “serious concern” over the plan, warning it could create practical difficulties for students across Dhanbad and Jharia. She said the coal belt’s socio-economic and geographical conditions differ sharply from other parts of Jharkhand, with many students coming from labour-class, middle-class and economically weaker families. Frequent travel between colleges, she argued, would be financially burdensome.

The MLA said forcing students to attend classes in separate colleges under the cluster arrangement would raise transportation costs and lead to loss of study time.

She urged the Governor to consider “ground realities” before any major academic restructuring.

Backing the objections, the mayor termed the proposal “anti-student” and said thousands would be compelled to travel long distances daily if implemented. He flagged transportation, safety and academic continuity as major challenges.