The All India Students’ Association (AISA) has submitted a memorandum to the Department of Collegiate Education & Technical Education, Government of Karnataka, demanding immediate attention to key issues affecting education and student welfare in the state.
The student collective asserted that the quality of education is a fundamental right and that the government has an obligation to provide it. The rising costs, lack of support, and commercialization of education are making it inaccessible for many, and students refuse to accept a system that burdens them with debt and limits opportunities.
List of demands they have put forth:
Increase State Education Budget – Allocate 6% of GSDP – Free Education from KG to PG
Chronic underfunding has led to poor infrastructure, underpaid faculty, and a lack of resources at all education levels. 412 out of 440 government colleges are without principals, affecting quality and administration.
Cap Fees of Private Colleges – Roll Back Fee Hikes – Waive Student Loans – End Extra Exam and Re-evaluation Fees
They demand capping of private college fees and the reversal of recent tuition hikes. Education should not be commercialized. They also call for the complete waiver of student loans and the elimination of extra charges for exams and re-evaluation, addressing complaints of intentionally poor evaluations designed to generate re-evaluation fees.
Ensure Dignified and Suitable Employment for All
Especially for students in technical and professional courses — Colleges offering degrees like BTech, BCA, and BBA must guarantee full placement under government supervision.
Scrap Bus and Metro Fare Hikes:
Immediate reversal of bus and metro fare hikes and call for free public transport for all students, eliminating financial barriers
Reinstate Student Unions
Sought reinstatement of student unions to debate issues like poor infrastructure, outdated syllabi, and inadequate staffing.
Proper Implementation of Schemes for Marginalized Students
Immediate disbursement of delayed post-matric scholarships via the State Scholarship Portal, particularly affecting SC/ST/OBC, minority, and economically-backward students. Restoration of the 66% scholarship cut for minority PhD scholars and swift resolution of technical delays.
Ensure Campus Safety
They demand that all colleges establish functional, democratically elected Gender Sensitisation Committees Against Sexual Harassment (GSCASH), with student representation, to ensure campus safety and security.
