Across four districts in Karnataka – Kalaburagi, Ballari, Vijayanagara, and Koppal – students from government degree colleges collectively boycotted classes on Saturday. This significant protest was initiated by the All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO), signaling a growing frustration among the student community.
Organizers emphasized that the boycott was both voluntary and peaceful, with a clear objective: to push for the immediate hiring of guest lecturers and establish fair educational standards between government-run and private institutions.
Speaking to a crowd in Kalaburagi, AIDSO district secretary Tuljaram N.K. highlighted a stark disparity. He pointed out that while private colleges had already completed two rounds of internal assessments and were gearing up for semester exams, numerous government colleges hadn’t even managed to hold regular classes.
“This blatant discrimination is simply unacceptable,” he asserted. “How can students be expected to sit for exams when there are no teachers to instruct them? The government must acknowledge this critical imbalance and act swiftly to either fill permanent teaching positions or appoint guest lecturers as an interim solution.”
Demonstrating their unified support, students from institutions such as the Government Women’s Degree College, Government Autonomous Degree College, and the Government First Grade College in Sedam actively participated by staying out of classes.
The powerful slogan, “No classes, no exams,” resonated throughout all four protesting districts. Student leaders vocalized their concern that current government policies were effectively penalizing public college students, causing them to fall significantly behind their counterparts in private education.
“Universities are setting examination schedules and collecting fees despite a complete absence of teaching. We firmly refuse to take exams under these conditions,” declared AIDSO district treasurer Venkatesh Devdurga in Kalaburagi.
Ballari also saw a full-scale boycott, with notable participation from Saraladevi College, City College, and the Government Women’s College.
Kambali Manjunath, the district secretary, criticized the government’s severe neglect, stating it had left students in an impossible situation. “The chasm between government and private colleges grows wider each day. Our only plea is for justice,” Mr. Manjunath emphasized.
Vijayanagara witnessed similar scenes of protest. “Our demand is straightforward: no exams without proper classes. We are committed to escalating our movement until our call for the appointment of guest lecturers is addressed,” stated AIDSO district convener Ravikiran J.P.
In Koppal, significant student assemblies took place at the Government First Grade College and the Government Women’s College. Sindhu K., an AIDSO State committee member, expressed concern that government universities appeared to prioritize private institutions, leaving students in public colleges neglected and without adequate resources.
“We refuse to stand by and let this injustice persist,” Ms. Sindhu declared resolutely.
Throughout the districts, student leaders stressed that the boycott’s purpose was not to cause chaos, but to draw attention to their legitimate concerns. One student articulated, “Our fight isn’t against exams; it’s for access to proper education.” Another added, “We want a full schedule of classes before our exams, and we insist on fair treatment for all students, whether in government or private colleges.”
AIDSO leaders issued a stern warning: if the government fails to promptly appoint guest lecturers, they are prepared to intensify their protests, threatening a wave of statewide demonstrations in the weeks ahead.