Central Institute of Technology (CIT) Kokrajhar in Assam recently witnessed intense student protests after a near 24-hour power outage plunged the campus into darkness, forcing a spotlight on long-standing administrative and infrastructural issues.
The developments involved student agitation, official resignations, and mounting demands for transparency and reform.
Power Outage Triggers Student Protests
On August 24, 2025, students of CIT Kokrajhar staged a loud and determined protest due to an almost full day without electricity on the sprawling 300-acre campus. The outage severely affected all aspects of student life, from basic activities like bathing and sanitation to academic routines.
Female students particularly highlighted the distress caused by water scarcity during the blackout, pointing to increased safety and hygiene challenges. Students also protested against unhygienic hostel food, some reportedly infested with insects, and the absence of an ambulance, raising urgent safety concerns. With over 2,000 students impacted, the agitation quickly escalated as they demanded answers and swift action from institute authorities.
Students at CIT Kokrajhar demand urgent reforms, including reliable power, clean water, ambulance services, and transparent fund management, to ensure a safe and dignified campus environment for all.
Administration Under Fire: Confrontations and Resignation
During the protests, students confronted Dr. Pranav K. Singh, the Dean of Planning and Development, challenging him on administrative negligence. Singh’s contentious remark about his ties to Bodoland Territorial Region Chief Executive Member Pramod Boro inflamed calls for transparency and accountability.
The administration’s silence and perceived inaction further enraged students, exposing frustrations over neglected campus facilities despite substantial government funding.
The intensity of the protests led to the resignation of the Dean of Student Affairs, a significant acknowledgment of systemic failure and student grievances. This resignation added pressure on the institution to take immediate corrective measures, though no comprehensive official plan has been announced yet.
Long-Standing Issues Beyond the Outage
The power cut was a tipping point, but students have long complained about poor infrastructure development at CIT. Despite having well-stocked resources such as a large library, the campus struggles with dated facilities and frequent outages, especially around exams, impacting academic performance and well-being.
Allegations of corruption and misuse of funds have circulated, with students questioning the effective utilisation of government grants meant for infrastructure improvements. The lack of proper emergency and health facilities has compounded the crisis, with protests emphasizing that students deserve fundamental rights to safety, hygiene, and a supportive learning environment.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The situation at CIT Kokrajhar demands urgent attention not just as a campus issue, but as a reflection of governance in public education institutions. Students must receive reliable infrastructure and welfare support as basic rights integral to their academic success and dignity.
The Logical Indian stands for empathetic, accountable leadership that listens and acts decisively to protect student interests. Transparency in fund management and consistent upgrades in facilities are non-negotiable.
This ongoing crisis highlights the importance of vigilant oversight and responsive governance in shaping an environment where students can thrive in safety and dignity, values fundamental to education and society alike.
CIT Kokrajhar, BTR Assam — students suffer daily while admin looks away. Power cuts, poor mess, broken toilets, wasted funds, no student body. 🚨
— Gilbert Daimary (@Gilbert76319899) August 24, 2025
This is not mismanagement, it’s corruption. We demand accountability! ✊@himantabiswa @PramodBoroBTR@ranojpeguassam#CITKokrajhar pic.twitter.com/G2qF2MEhOj
