Concerns raised over rising fees, commercialization of education, and accessibility for poor students
Bengaluru, April 29 — Hundreds of students gathered at Freedom Park today in a spirited protest led by the All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO), opposing the government’s move to convert RC College and Government Arts College into constituent colleges of Bengaluru City University (BCU).
The protest, marked by impassioned speeches and student solidarity, was sparked by growing fears that the move would result in a steep hike in college fees, making higher education unaffordable for economically disadvantaged students.
“Privatization in the Garb of Reform,” Say Protesters
Speaking at the demonstration, AIDSO State Treasurer Subhash B.J. warned of the consequences of the government’s proposal.
“If RC College and Government Arts College become constituent colleges of BCU, college fees will suddenly increase. It will become impossible for poor students to afford even the few government colleges that remain,” he said.
He cited the example of Maharani’s College, which saw a spike in fees and a drop in student enrolment after it was transformed into Maharani’s Cluster University.
“We strongly condemn this policy of the government, which is turning education into a privilege for the wealthy. Once colleges become constituent units, government grants will also cease. This clearly shows how the government is facilitating the commercialization of education. Students must come together to resist this,” he added.
Drawing Inspiration from History
Echoing the call for continued resistance, AIDSO State Vice-President Abhay Diwakar invoked the legacy of India’s freedom fighters.
“Just as Bhagat Singh and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose stood up against injustice in their time, we must draw inspiration from their struggles. We need to form a struggle committee and fight to save these institutions,” Diwakar urged.
Students Fear Loss of Affordable Education
Student representatives from both RC College and Government Arts College also addressed the gathering, expressing dismay at the state government’s broader education policy.
“This year alone, the government has announced the closure of seven universities citing lack of funds. Turning existing government colleges into university constituent colleges will leave no option but to raise fees,” one student speaker said. “This is deeply regrettable and will push poor students further to the margins.”
The protest highlighted growing concern among students that the government’s decisions are systematically eroding the accessibility of public education under the guise of administrative restructuring.
Strong Turnout Demonstrates Growing Discontent
The protest saw participation from a broad base of students, supported by several district leaders of AIDSO. District Secretary Kalyan Kumar, who presided over the protest, was joined by District President Apoorva and district secretariat members Nawaz, Kiran, Rohith, Hamsa, Rakshu, Prakruthi, and Yashwanth.
The demonstration concluded with a call for continued mobilization and the formation of campus-based struggle committees to protect the interests of government college students across Karnataka.
Background Context:
The move to convert RC College and Government Arts College into constituent units of Bengaluru City University is part of a broader trend where government institutions are being restructured under new university frameworks. While the government argues this improves administrative efficiency and academic quality, student groups have repeatedly claimed it results in fee hikes, withdrawal of government grants, and exclusion of economically weaker sections from higher education.
🔷 Statements
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AIDSO Statement:
“The government’s move to convert RC College and Government Arts College into constituent colleges of Bengaluru City University is a step towards privatizing public education. It will lead to higher fees and shut the doors of education for poor students.” -
Student Representatives’ Statement:
“We study here because our families cannot afford private college fees. If these colleges are converted, we will be forced to drop out. Education should be a right, not a privilege.”
🔷 Quotes (Articles)
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Subhash BJ (State Treasurer, AIDSO):
“Once these colleges lose government support, education will become unaffordable. We’ve already seen it happen with Maharani’s College.” -
Abhay Diwakar (State Vice-President, AIDSO):
“Inspired by Bhagat Singh and Subhas Chandra Bose, we too must stand up against injustice and protect public education.” -
Kalyan Kumar (District Secretary, AIDSO):
“We will not allow the government to silently kill public colleges. This is just the beginning of a larger struggle.”
🔷 Q&A (For Explainers)
Q: Why are students protesting the conversion of RC and Government Arts Colleges into constituent colleges?
A: Because it will likely result in increased fees, loss of government funding, and reduced access to education for poor and working-class students.
Q: Has this happened before?
A: Yes. After Maharani’s College became part of a cluster university, fees increased and student enrollment dropped.
Q: What are the students demanding?
A: They are demanding that both colleges remain under direct government administration and continue receiving state funding.
Q: What’s the larger concern?
A: That the move is part of a wider trend of commercializing education, making it inaccessible to the marginalized.
