Puttur: Women’s college students protest over dust; principal confronts MLA Ashok Kumar Rai

Puttur: Women’s college students protest over dust; principal confronts MLA Ashok Kumar Rai

Mangalore Today News Network

Puttur, Feb 17, 2026: Students of the Government Women’s Degree College in Puttur staged a protest on Wednesday, expressing anger over severe dust pollution inside classrooms caused by nearby hospital construction work.

The college, located in the heart of Puttur, has been affected by continuous dust due to the ongoing construction, making it difficult for students to attend classes. Despite repeated requests by the college principal to shift the institution temporarily to a new building, no action had been taken, forcing students to sit in dust-filled classrooms.

On Wednesday, the situation worsened with excessive dust inside classrooms, triggering outrage among students. They walked out of their classes and took to the streets in protest.

During the protest, local MLA Ashok Kumar Rai arrived at the spot and questioned the principal over the students’ agitation. This led to a heated argument, with the principal strongly reprimanding the MLA for making accusations without understanding the seriousness of the issue.

Principal Vedashree Nithya responded firmly, stating that it was common sense that construction work would generate dust and stressed that she had repeatedly approached the MLA requesting the relocation of the women’s college to a new building, but no steps had been taken so far.

The principal’s sharp and outspoken response reportedly left the MLA taken aback, as students continued to voice their grievances over the unhealthy learning conditions.