Pune film institute students have held protests across the country, including Delhi at Jantar Mantar.
In a sign of government's hardening stance against the protests in Pune's Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), a group of 30 students have been asked to vacate the hostel for overstaying after completion of their course, notice for eviction have been pasted on the hostel doors, according to top officials on Friday.
The officiating Director of FTII, Prashant Pathrabe said, "We found that 2008 batch hasn't completed their projects... group projects are at various stages of completion, faculty will assess those projects at whatever stage those projects are at... earlier also notices have been issued but this time we thought we will take strict action."
As protests enter the 57th day, the students have refused to attend classes till the central government cancels the appointment of Gajendra Chauhan as chairman of the governing council. Mr Chauhan is seen as close to the ruling BJP, several alumni and film personalities have backed the students, they say that his stature falls far short of the standards of the famous institute.
A spokesperson for FTII students, Vikar Urs said, "Academic activities are halted in the institute... student's projects are in midway... In such situation how could the government take this action? We would ask the reason for taking this action... Administration would not have any relevant pretext."
According to officials, the Institute has had to let go of 82 contractual people, mostly technicians and helpers that FTII engages due to classes not being held.
The students have been visiting various colleges and universities across the country to garner support for their cause. Congress Vice President, Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal have also met the students and assured them of their support.
Though the students met cabinet minister Prakash Javdekar, and Shatrughan Sinha, but the government seems to be in no mood to relent.