The students of the veterinary colleges in Shimoga and Hassan on Wednesday launched an indefinite dharna, demanding recognition to their colleges from the Veterinary Council of India (VCI).
The future of over 180 students in each of these colleges is at stake as they have not been recognised by VCI due to ‘lack of infrastructure.’ Since the degree awarded by the colleges is deemed ‘invalid,’ the students don’t get registration number from the Karnataka Veterinary Council without which they will not be able to practise even after completing the five-year course. They will not be eligible for any government postings also.
In Hassan, the students boycotted the classes and a training programme for the staff was cancelled due to the protest. When Dean Narasimhamurthy tried to forcibly enter inside the college, one of the protesters broke down. They blocked his way by lying on the floor and asking him to walk over them if he is not concerned about their future.
“Parents have availed loan for our education and if the degree we get is not valid, what’s our fate in future?” they said. The dean, who initially tried to pressure the students to drop the protest, went silent. The students said they would continue the strike at night on obtaining permission from the DSP.
In Shimoga, the students alleged that though the college is directed not to admit students for the academic year 2013-14, the authorities are trying to obtain permission for admission and not for recognition, the students alleged. They blamed the college, set up in 2006, for its alleged failure to utilise funds released by the government for upgrading infrastructure. A four-member committee, comprising Professors Krishnaswamy, Krishnamurthy, Ranganath and C P Singh from the Government Veterinary College, Bangalore, which is affiliated to the University, interacted with the students.
The committee sought 15 days’ time and promised to discuss the issue with the chief minister. However, students have decided to continue the strike till their demands are met.