Students of the Government First Grade Boys College in Kolar boycotted the classes and staged a dharna in front of principal’s chamber alleging delay in releasing scholarships.
The protest was carried out in the leadership of Vidyarthi Hitarakshana Vedike.
The students alleged that, from 2009 to 2010-11, there has been no response for the applications submitted by degree students belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Even though the government has released the amount, it has not been released, they said. Students of the year 2009 were considered as hostelers and their scholarship was given to the hostels.
Though the students have complained to the Social Welfare Officer several times about this, no action has been taken. The students demanded that the scholarship be released at least now, which would help them in pursuing higher education.
Action
Addressing the protesters, the taluk Social Welfare officer Suggandahalli Muniraju said that from 2009, scholarship has not been released to any college in Kolar.
“An amount of Rs 4 crore was released to the Zilla Panchayat in May last year. It was also sent to the taluk panchayat. But due to lack of communication, orders to distribute it from the treasury was not given. The scholarship amount has been withheld, but has not sent back to the government,” he clarified.
Work in progress
“Commissioner of the department concerned have been requested to release the scholarship. Presently, the request is with the Finance Department. Work to release the amount is in process from three months. The scholarship will be given to the students as soon as it is released,” he assured the students.
He also said that the issue is being discussed in Zilla and Taluk Panchayats often and the members have expressed disappointment over delay in releasing scholarship.
“Even Deputy Commissioner and CEO of ZP are aware of the problem and the amount may be released within 15 days,” he said.
Meeting
Speaking about releasing the money to hostels, the Social Welfare officer said that a meeting of wardens will be called and information will be collected. Then action will be taken.
Principal Venkatesu was present on the occasion. B Suresh Gowda, leader of the forum; Hoohalli Nagaraj of Adima Shakthi Yuvajana Students Forum led the protest.
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