St Agnes College exam timetable row: AISA criticises ABVP for alleged communal campaign

The All India Students’ Association (AISA) has expressed strong disapproval of what it described as a communal campaign against St Agnes College in Mangaluru, Karnataka, over a dispute over its examination timetable.

The student organisation alleged that the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) was using this issue to create religious divisions instead of addressing the concerns of the students.

In a recent statement, AISA said students have the right to question administrative decisions and also hold peaceful protests. It added that their grievances should be heard and resolved through discussions rather than creating communal tension.

The statement reads, “St. Agnes College, a Christian minority institution with a long-standing legacy of education and service, has been singled out over an examination schedule, even as several other colleges across Karnataka conduct examinations and classes during the same period.” AISA alleged that the dispute was being used to target the minority institution and cause disturbance.

Also read NEET PG Counselling: At private medical colleges, deemed-university tag brings up to 1,471% fee hike

AISA backs students’ right to protest

According to AISA, the college’s examination controller had shared a draft timetable well in advance. However, the association said the college administration should review its response if students’ concerns had not been addressed correctly.

The organisation also objected to St Agnes College observing a longer Christmas holiday instead of a Dasara break. It referred to Article 30(1) of the Constitution, subject to applicable laws. This gives religious and linguistic minorities the right to set up and run their own schools or colleges.

AISA further stated that the examination schedule complied with University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines.

Also read ‘Teachers know…’: In Chennai govt schools, drugs move through classrooms, playgrounds – unchecked, unreported

Association raises concerns over alleged assault

The association is worried about the reports that students had been added to specific WhatsApp groups without their consent to arrange support for a campaign against the college. It condemned reports of police personnel physically assaulting students who were protesting and called for the right to peaceful protest to be protected.

AISA said educational institutions must remain spaces for discussion, critical thinking and democratic participation. It has asked students to reject divisive politics and work towards protecting peace and communal harmony in Mangaluru and across Karnataka.

The association said student movements should focus only on genuine concerns rather than allowing political or communal groups to influence their demands.