ABVP launches 'Bengaluru Chalo' rally over KSOU row

Members of Akhila Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) launched a protest march to Bengaluru from Mysuru on Monday to save the city-based Karnataka State Open University (KSOU). Former vice chancellor Ramegowda flagged off the rally at Ramaswamy Circle here.

The rally will reach Freedom Park in Bengaluru on October 13 and the members will stage a protest against the state government. The rally will pass through Srirangapatna, Mandya, Maddur, Channapatna, Ramnagar, Bidadi and reach Bengaluru.

Earlier, students of various institutions gathered at Ramaswamy Circle and staged a protest. They raised slogans against Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

They said that Mysuru is known for higher education but after the Congress government came to power in the state, the quality and propagation of education has declined. The government has failed to appoint a permanent Vice Chancellor for the University of Mysore (UoM) and has also failed to provide basic facilities at Karnataka State Dr Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University.

The government is planning to close down KSOU to loot the funds available in the varsity. According to the agitators, the varsity has Rs 580 crore in deposits. The government is not making sincere efforts to get recognition from the University Grants Commission (UGC), they alleged.

Lakhs of students are worried about their future as the UGC has withdrawn recognition for the courses offered by KSOU and graduates are facing hardships in getting employment in public as well as private sector.

The state government should take immediate measures to get recognition. Severe punishment should be served to people responsible for the de-recognition, they demanded.

KSOU employees also supported the rally. ABVP leaders Rakesh and Rajesh Girani were present.