Students protest to oppose changes brought by NEP 2020; demand immediate release of scholarship amount

NEW DELHI: A massive gathering of students at Freedom Park, Bangalore protest to oppose changes brought by the national education policy (NEP) 2020 today. The students also demand required number of hostels and an immediate release of scholarship amount.

The students state that there an no hostel in the state to accommodate the large number of degree students. "Hostel is a basic requirement for students. The number of hostels should be increased in proportion to the number of degree students in the state and enrollment should be increased." said Bangalore district president, Abhaya Diwakar.

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Diwakar states that the first batch of students under the NEP have concluded their examinations and have been promoted to the next year, however, the results of the exams are yet to be announced. The students demand announcement of results as it delays their process to apply for scholarships. This situation has led to anxiety in the students.

"Thousands of students from poor families depend on scholarships to fund their higher education. If no scholarship is available, it is difficult for most of them to complete their higher education." Diwakar said. "On one hand, the government is taking away the right to scholarship, on the other hand, it is increasing the educational fees every year. The fees of degree course has already been hiked three times in government degree colleges. Government must immediately release the full scholarship amount for all students," She further added.

The protest meeting was presided by District secretary, Kalyan Kumar and was attended by other secretariat members, executives and activists.