Will find way, CM tells GKVK students fighting colleges

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Tuesday promised to address the demands of Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra (GKVK) students, who have been protesting the government’s move to allow private agricultural institutions in Karnataka.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the chief minister, actor Chethan — who is supporting the students’ cause — said, “I thank Kumaraswamy for responding to the grievance. He has asked us to submit all our demands to the agriculture minister by Wednesday. He said he will address the issue at the earliest.”

During their protest in front of the Town Hall, the students had stopped the chief minister’s vehicle and demanded that he listen to their grievances. Kumaraswamy then called for a meeting in the evening, which was presided over by Agriculture Minister Shivashankar Reddy, university vice-chancellor, registrar and other senior officials of the agriculture department.

“The chief minister asked us to give him 15 days to solve the issue. We are also demanding an amendment to the Karnataka Agriculture University Act so as to completely do away with private agriculture colleges, which are a threat to farmers and lead to fake certification in future,” said Ramesh, a protesting student at GKVK.

The students have boycotted classes in protest against private institutions that were lobbying for recognition to Rai Technology in Doddaballapur, and a few other private institutions in Ramanagaram and Channapatana.

DH made several attempts to reach Rai Technology University but failed to get a response.