“No Principals in 412 Colleges: How Karnataka is Killing Public Education,” AISA
Students Rally for Affordable, Inclusive, and Quality Education as Government Neglects Its Duties
Bangalore, 28th March 2025 – The All India Students’ Association (AISA) has taken a bold stand against the Karnataka government’s shocking neglect of education, demanding urgent reforms to secure a brighter future for students. In a powerful memorandum submitted to the Department of Collegiate Education & Technical Education, AISA exposed the government’s appalling failures—skyrocketing fees, crumbling institutions, joblessness, and the silencing of student voices.
“Education is a right, not a luxury—yet the government treats it as a profit-making business,” declared Aratrika, a passionate student activist. “While students drown in debt, the government turns a blind eye, betraying Karnataka’s youth and robbing them of opportunities.”
Government’s Shameful Underfunding of Education
AISA courageously demanded that Karnataka allocate at least 6% of its GSDP to education, as recommended by the Kothari Commission. The current pitiful 1.45% budget reveals the government’s blatant disregard for students, leading to decaying infrastructure, overworked faculty, and severe resource shortages.
The memorandum also exposed the government’s gross mismanagement—412 out of 440 government colleges lack principals, crippling academic governance while officials remain indifferent.
Students Fight Back Against Fee Exploitation
AISA fiercely condemned the government’s complicity in the commercialization of education, demanding an immediate rollback of fee hikes and strict regulation of private college fees. “No student should be crushed by debt before their career even begins,” asserted Sachin, a determined student leader. “The government must end this exploitation now.”
The association also slammed the corrupt practice of forcing students to pay for re-evaluations due to deliberately poor grading—a cruel scheme to squeeze money from struggling families.
Government Fails Students on Jobs and Transport
With thousands of job vacancies unfilled, AISA accused the government of abandoning graduates, particularly from technical courses like BTech, BCA, and BBA. “Where are the promised jobs?” students demanded. “Why must we pay the price for government inaction?”
AISA also exposed how rising transport costs push students out of education. “Bus and metro fare hikes are locking out the poor,” said Anu, a student activist. “Free public transport is not a favor—it’s a necessity!”
40 Years of Silencing Student Voices
For four decades, Karnataka has banned student unions—a blatant suppression of democracy. AISA condemned this authoritarian move, linking it to outdated syllabi, faculty shortages, and crumbling campuses. “Students must have a voice in their own education!” Aratrika declared. “This dictatorship over education must end!”
Betrayal of Marginalized Students
AISA exposed the government’s heartless delay in disbursing post-matric scholarships for SC/ST/OBC, minority, and economically weaker students—some waiting over two years. The 66% scholarship cut for minority PhD scholars was denounced as an attack on social justice.
No More Empty Promises on Campus Safety
AISA demanded real action on gender justice, calling for democratically elected Gender Sensitisation Committees Against Sexual Harassment (GSCASH) in all colleges. “Women students deserve safety, not lip service!”
AISA’s Unwavering Fight for Justice
AISA challenged the government to include these demands in the long-overdue State Education Policy and finally act for Karnataka’s students.
“We are not begging—we are demanding our rightful future,” Sachin proclaimed. “The government must answer for its failures, or face the fury of Karnataka’s students!” Enough is enough. The time for change is NOW.
Statements
- “Education is a right, not a privilege—yet Karnataka’s government treats it as a luxury for the rich.”
- “While students drown in debt, the government robs them of their future with fee hikes and empty promises.”
- “40 years without student unions is 40 years of silencing Karnataka’s youth. We demand our voice back!”
- “No more excuses—fund education properly, or admit you’ve failed Karnataka’s students.”
Quotes from Activists
- Aratrika (Student Activist):
“The government is commercializing education while students suffer. We won’t let them sell our futures to the highest bidder!” - Sachin (Student Leader):
“Why should students pay for the government’s failures? Cancel education debt now!” - Anu (Transportation Campaigner):
“Bus fare hikes are locking out poor students. If the government cared, transport would be free!”
Q&A for Engagement
Q: Why is AISA protesting now?
A: Because Karnataka’s education system is collapsing—fee hikes, no jobs, delayed scholarships, and banned student unions. We won’t stay silent!
Q: What’s the biggest failure of the government?
A: Spending only 1.45% of GSDP on education while students suffer in crumbling colleges. Shameful neglect!
Q: How can students support the movement?
A: Join protests, share stories online (#EduJusticeForKarnataka), and demand answers from officials. United, we win!
Context & Background
- Fee Explosion: Private college fees have skyrocketed, pushing students into debt.
- Scholarship Delays: SC/ST/OBC & minority students wait years for aid—66% cuts for PhD scholars!
- No Jobs: Thousands of technical graduates remain unemployed due to government inaction.
- Student Unions Banned: Since 1985—no student voice in education policies.
- Transport Barriers: Fare hikes force poor students to drop out.
#EduJusticeForKarnataka #FundEducationNotFees #EndStudentDebt #BringBackStudentUnions #FreeTransportForStudents
Memorandum
