Journalists can enter faculties however not speak to college students: Dhenkanal Collector Saroj Sethi

By Express News Service

DHENKANAL: A day after an order on entry ban for media on college campuses sparked a furore, Dhenkanal Collector Saroj Sethi clarified that journalists can enter the premises however not work together with college students whereas courses are underway.

If journalists have any question, they’ll put it throughout to the varsity managing committee however to not college students, he knowledgeable.

The order, issued by the district training officers (DEO) of Dhenkanal and Kendrapara and subsequently by block training officer (BEO) of Kankadahada, snowballed into an issue with the federal government defending the transfer and Opposition demanding its  fast rollback.   

On July 8, Dhenkanal DEO Nibedita Pani issued a letter to BEOs directing them to ask headmasters to limit media entry on campuses. Acting on the order, Kankadahada BEO had written to high school headmasters and acknowledged that FIR must be lodged in opposition to the mediaperson in case of any ‘unauthorised’ entry.

On Sunday, the Collector in response acknowledged that it was ‘unethical’ of journalists to enter college campuses holding cameras and questioning college students about their performances that are humiliating and discouraging. Justifying the DEO’s letter, Sethy mentioned college students can take any incorrect step in case of dealing with humiliation throughout media interplay.

However, after backlash from totally different quarters, Kankadahada BEO issued a letter as soon as once more to all college headmasters informing them that media entry ban order has been withdrawn. The order was withdrawn as per the instruction of the Collector throughout a joint public grievance redressal assembly held at Kankadahada Panchayat Samiti Office, he knowledgeable.