Bengaluru: Hundreds of students of University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) continued their protest against the proposed privatisation of agriculture education in the state and marched in the city on Monday, throwing traffic out of gear.
The students, who were protesting at the Mysore Bank Circle, marched through the busy Majestic, choking traffic in many parts of the city. They demanded that the government reconsider its decision of approving more private colleges to run agriculture courses. They said that a board meeting at the GKVK campus on July 11 could approve the proposal, jeopardising their prospects.
A PhD student, who was taking part in the protest and wished not to be identified, said, “Private agricultural colleges are admitting students who hardly score any marks in the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET). They are increasing the number of seats without any control. But the government has taken the issue lightly.”
Nikhil, a GKVK student, said that student representatives met Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy a week ago and he assured them of prompt action.“With the dates of the crucial meeting coming closer, many of us have boycotted exams to protest. Repealing of an amendment to the Agricultural Universities Act (2009) is our major demand,” he said.
Students have been protesting since June 13 at various districts across the state, including UAS campuses in Shivamogga, Hassan, Mandya, Raichur and Dharwad.
