Bengaluru: It was a moment of disappointment for students and education activists in the state when Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Saturday ruled out free bus passes for students.
When his attention was drawn to the protests, Chief Minister said this promise never figured in the JD (S) party manifesto and pointed out that the government was burdened with farm loan waiver and will not be able to provide free passes.
It may be recalled that the previous Congress Government, headed by CM Siddaramaiah, had announced the free bus pass facility to all students in its budget for the year 2018-19. Mr Kumaraswamy had earlier promised to continue all the schemes announced by his predecessor.
V.N. Rajashekhar, Secretariat Member of the All India Save Education Committee told Deccan Chronicle that Chief Minister’s U-turn shows his irresponsibility as a leader.
National Students Union of India (NSUI) State President Manjunath H.S. has said that student leaders would meet Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwar on Sunday to discuss the issue.
The state-wide bandh on Saturday, called by All India Democratic Students Organisation (AIDSO), All India Democratic Youth Organisation (AIDYO) and All India Mahila Sanskritik Sanghatan (AIMSS) was held across 26 districts in the state.
