Karnataka Government Brutally Suppresses Peaceful Student Protest; Students Vow to Continue Fight for Affordable Education
Bengaluru: In a shocking display of authoritarianism, the Karnataka State Congress government today unleashed brutal repression on students peacefully protesting against the privatization of higher education. Hundreds of students from Government RC and Government Arts College were treated like *criminals* merely for demanding their right to accessible education, as the state government moves forward with its controversial decision to convert these institutions into constituent colleges of Bengaluru City University—a move that will *drastically hike fees* and exclude underprivileged students from higher learning.
AIDSO Leads Massive Protest Against Education Privatization
The All India Democratic Students’ Organization (AIDSO) organized a powerful protest convention at Freedom Park, condemning the government’s anti-student policies. Students, activists, and education advocates gathered in large numbers, raising slogans against the *anti-poor, pro-privatization* agenda of the Congress-led administration.
Government Betrays Poor Students, Imposes Unaffordable Fees
State Secretary Ajay Kamath, the keynote speaker, exposed the government’s hypocrisy, stating, *“While degree courses in government colleges cost less than ₹6,000, constituent colleges charge exorbitant fees—starting from ₹12,000 and going up to ₹25,000. This is nothing but a deliberate attack on the education rights of the poor.”*
He highlighted alarming examples:
Yuvaraja College (Mysuru University):** BSc fee – ₹13,600; BBA fee – ₹24,810
Tumkur & Dharwad Constituent Colleges: Similar fee hikes
*“Universities are already starved of funds, and now the government wants to shut down seven more. If RC and Arts College are handed over to Bengaluru City University, it will be a death knell for public education,”* Kamath declared, urging students to *resist relentlessly.*
Lecturers Turn Enforcers, Assault Peaceful Protesters
State Vice-President Abhaya Diwakar condemned the shocking brutality faced by students. *“Instead of standing with their pupils, some lecturers acted like government henchmen, assaulting protesters and treating them like terrorists. These educators, who should be guardians of knowledge, have betrayed their moral duty.”*
She slammed the Congress government’s *double standards*, saying, *“A party that claims to be socialist and pro-Constitution is now crushing the voices of students. This is unacceptable. The government must immediately revoke this anti-student decision.”*
Students Resolute: “We Will Not Back Down
The protest, presided over by District President Apoorva, saw fiery speeches and determined resistance. District Secretary Kalyan Kumar vowed, *“This is only the beginning. We will escalate our movement until the government reverses its decision. Education is our right, not a privilege for the rich.”*
Hundreds of students from RC and Government Arts College joined the demonstration, pledging to continue their struggle despite state repression.
Call to Action
The Karnataka government’s actions today have exposed its *contempt for public education* and its *willingness to silence dissent*. But the students’ spirit remains unbroken. As the movement grows, one thing is clear: *The fight for affordable, accessible education will not be crushed.
#SaveRCandArtsCollege | #StopEducationPrivatization | #CongressBetraysStudents
