Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Nov 20: The district unit of Campus Front of India (CFI) on Saturday November 21, staged a protest over the delay in the release of scholarship in front of DC's office in Manipal.
Addressing the gathering, Navaz Sheikh, district president of CFI, said, "District unit of CFI organised this protest in support of the state-wide march demanding scholarship. The BJP-led state government in the state slashed scholarship amount citing Covid-19 reasons. But, private colleges in the state are charging exorbitant fees.
"The funds released for the scholarship of minorities have been directed for various other purposes. Students are deprived of the Arivu (education loan) scheme. Also, the government reduced the fellowship amount from Rs 25,000 to Rs 10,000. Thus, this has refrained students from pursuing their PhD," he added.
Riyaz Kadambu, CFI state committee member, raising slogans against the government alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is favouring corporates and business tycoons. Stating that the government should stop collecting tax from the common man, Riyaz said, "Private education institutions are hiking fees every year. Why has the government failed to control lobbies of private colleges?”
He warned that if students are neglected, it would trigger a great movement in the country. “The government should not invade the fundamental rights of students. Though the CFI had submitted a memorandum to the Minority Welfare Department, no necessary action was taken. If this attitude continues, CFI will gherao the MLA's office in the city. The government should allow students to study without suppressing their rights," he said.
Additional deputy commissioner Sadashiva Prabhu received a memorandum from the students. He instructed the Minority Department district officer Dayanand, to prepare a summary on this issue and send it to the government at the earliest.
Tahsildar Pradeep Kurdekar was present.
Students raised slogans against the state government and protested by holding unique hoardings, by wearing clothes of different professions.
Protestors took out a rally from Coin Circle Manipal to DC's office, Manipal.
Zeeshan, Kundapur unit president of CFI, Usama Gangolli, district member and Zamzam, vice president of CFI Udupi were present.