The All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO) has condemned the Karnataka government’s proposal to convert RC College into a constituent institution of Dr. Manmohan Singh Bengaluru City University (BCU). AIDSO warns this move could result in a 200% to 300% fee hike, making higher education unaffordable for a significant number of students.
Fee Hike Concerns
RC College currently operates as a regular government degree college. This status provides accessible education to thousands of students. Constituent colleges under universities typically charge fees 200% to 300% higher than regular government degree colleges, according to AIDSO.
Converting RC College would directly lead to these increased fees. This change would affect students from working-class, poor, and middle-class families. The historic institution would become unaffordable for many presently enrolled or future prospective students.
Impact on Public Education
AIDSO states the proposed conversion harms the state’s public higher education system. The organisation views this move as an attempt to introduce commercialisation and centralisation into Karnataka’s educational framework. Public higher education aims to provide affordable access to all citizens.
AIDSO’s Demands
AIDSO has urged the Karnataka government to immediately withdraw the conversion proposal. The student body demands RC College be authorised as a full-fledged government degree college. This includes ensuring adequate recruitment of staff and transparent administration.
The organisation also calls for improved facilities at the college. They argue the state government should prioritise strengthening academic departments and expanding existing resources. Filling vacant teaching and non-teaching posts should be the government’s focus, AIDSO stated.
Call for Future Ban
AIDSO has demanded a public assurance from the Higher Education Department. This assurance should impose a ban on any future conversions of government colleges into constituent institutions across Karnataka. The organisation believes such conversions undermine the principle of accessible public education.
Potential for Statewide Protest
AIDSO has a history of organising movements against similar proposals. Past protests involved students, teachers, parents, and academic experts. The organisation warns it will launch a strong, democratic statewide movement if the government proceeds with this decision. AIDSO commits to defending accessible and affordable public education.