Around 229 students of Horticulture, course governed under Maharana Pratap University, demonstrated outside University Vice Chancellor’s office, asking for a proper recognition of their course and reservation in state and central government jobs.

They were not allowed to appear for recently announced jobs in Forest Department on the grounds of ineligibility in RPSC exams, in which, only the students of Forestry were allowed to sit, irrespective of the fact that 5 year degree programme of Horticulture, in all aspects, is closely related to Forestry.

It is the only college engaged on education of Horticulture across Rajasthan, but lacks basic facilities of Hostel and Logging in Jhalawad District.

According to Pankaj Upadhya, President of Student Union, students had protested on many occasions in the past from 2004 to 2013, but University Administration always made some false promises to put an end to the protests.

He said, “In this 5-year degree course, core subjects of Forestry and Horticulture are being taught along with a specialised training, but the future of enrolled students is in a danger as degree does not have any recognition across the state”.

In the words of Subhas Jhakkad, 3^rd Year Student of Horticulture and Forestry, “We have been protesting for past 48 hours but no one from the University Administration turned up”.

Sources informed that O.P Gill, Vice Chancellor of MPUAT, received the information about the protests after more than 48 hours via speed post earlier this evening.

Pankaj added that if the demands are not considered than students will be taking out a mass procession within the campus. He also mentioned that protestors, with support of Student Unions of other colleges, can also shut down the University for indefinite period if required.