On Saturday, government degree colleges across Karnataka witnessed a massive statewide class boycott, as thousands of students voiced their outrage. Their protest targeted the state government’s persistent failure to appoint guest lecturers, a situation that has spiraled into a full-blown academic crisis within these institutions.
The powerful protest, spearheaded by the All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO) Karnataka State Committee, saw over 70,000 students from various districts – including major centers like Kalaburagi, Bengaluru, Ballari, Mysuru, Raichur, Dharwad, Shivamogga, Hassan, Yadgir, Chitradurga, and Koppal – actively participating.
Students passionately highlighted the stark contrast between government and private colleges. While private institutions are already two internal tests deep and gearing up for semester exams, a shocking number of government degree colleges haven’t even managed to hold a single class, all due to the critical shortage of guest lecturers. The students firmly declared their intention to escalate their protests until the government heeds their urgent demands.
This widespread discontent comes after universities controversially released semester timetables and exam fee circulars, a move seen as highly unfair given the complete lack of classes in many institutions.