Tura, Feb 6: Student groups of Rongjeng held a protest demonstration at the main field in the town on Saturday and burnt the effigy of the CEM of GHADC Rakesh A Sangma blaming him for the construction of the Model Degree College which they said is faulty and could pose a danger to human life.

The GSU, FKJGP, ASWA and AYF organised a signature campaign and protest rally in the field demanding inspection by technical experts and action against the contractor who constructed the college, in this case the current CEM who has previously undertaken construction works.

They burned the effigy of the CEM and chanted slogans condemning the alleged poor construction.

Earlier, on Tuesday, leaders of the agitating organisations called on East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Swapnil Tembe to submit an official protest letter demanding a review of the work undertaken on the college which is the only higher and degree level education institute in the entire region.

In their memorandum they mentioned that the college construction work was poor and lacking in adequate cement which was found during inspection of the roof where the concrete eroded displaying uneven or shortfall in the use of concrete materials.

They also said that this has happened because the technical engineer failed to regularly visit on his inspection rounds which allowed the building construction to go ahead in a faulty manner that is now endangering lives of students who will be taking admission in the institute.

The construction of the Rongjeng Model Degree College was cleared for construction in 2018 with a completion time frame of 18 months. It’s original cost was ten crores but was revised to Rs 12 Crore owing to cost escalation and extended duration of the completion.

The college will house a main building and two separate hostels for girls and boys.