Mangaluru: Activists of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) staged a major protest at Mangalore University on Friday, laying siege to the administrative block and demanding the immediate resignation of the vice-chancellor over alleged financial mismanagement and long-standing infrastructure deficiencies. The protest intensified as students accused the university administration of repeatedly ignoring their grievances despite several representations and previous demonstrations.
The agitation, led by ABVP state joint secretary Sujith, saw hundreds of students gathering on the university campus and raising slogans against the administration. Protesters alleged that basic facilities essential for students’ academic and daily needs continue to remain inadequate despite repeated complaints over the years.
Students allege neglect of basic infrastructure
Addressing the gathering, Sujith criticised the university authorities for failing to address fundamental issues affecting students. He stated that the vice-chancellor had remained indifferent to student concerns despite multiple appeals and meetings.
According to the ABVP leader, the university, which has a history spanning more than five decades and has produced several distinguished scholars, currently struggles to provide basic amenities. He claimed that drinking water facilities remain inadequate in several buildings and that students continue to face difficulties accessing essential services on campus.
Sujith further alleged that irregularities had occurred within the university system over the past decade without any accountability being fixed on responsible officials. He accused the administration of prioritising expenditure on projects such as international hostels, solar installations and CCTV systems while neglecting core academic requirements.
Concerns over laboratories and student fees
One of the major issues raised during the protest was the alleged shortage of essential chemicals in science laboratories. Protesters claimed that laboratory facilities had remained under-equipped for a prolonged period, affecting students’ practical learning experiences.
According to ABVP leaders, the university procured chemicals worth approximately Rs 15 lakh only after students threatened to launch an agitation. They argued that such purchases should have been made proactively rather than in response to protests.
The students also questioned several fee structures imposed by the university. They pointed out that students are charged Rs 3,650 for internships and Rs 750 per semester towards marks card-related expenses. However, they alleged that only a consolidated marks sheet is eventually provided to students.
The MBA department was also highlighted as an example of inadequate infrastructure. Protesters claimed that despite collecting fees from students, the department lacks sufficient computer facilities, forcing nearly 10 students to share a single computer during practical sessions.
ABVP representatives noted that a similar protest was conducted on November 15, 2025, during which several demands were submitted to the administration. However, they alleged that little progress had been made since then, prompting the current demand for the vice-chancellor’s resignation.
Heated exchange with vice-chancellor
Tensions escalated when the vice-chancellor came out to address the protesting students. A heated exchange followed as students expressed dissatisfaction with the administration’s explanations regarding delays in addressing infrastructure issues.
The protesters questioned why drinking water and other facilities were readily available inside administrative offices while students on campus allegedly continued to face shortages. The situation became more confrontational when the vice-chancellor reportedly remarked that financial constraints required students to adjust to prevailing circumstances.
Students strongly opposed the statement, arguing that the university’s operations, including payments to guest faculty members, are substantially supported through fees collected from students.
Administration cites funding and procedural hurdles
Responding to the allegations, the vice-chancellor defended the administration’s functioning and stated that the university has been facing challenges due to delays in responses from the state government.
He informed students that approximately Rs 20 crore received from the government is being utilised to improve infrastructure and settle pending bills through proper procedures. According to him, procurement and development works require approvals from various committees, making immediate purchases difficult.
The vice-chancellor also stated that orders for 200 computers had already been placed and that chemicals worth Rs 15 lakh had arrived during the first week of May. He further informed students that three major development projects are currently underway on the campus.
He maintained that available funds are being utilised carefully for maintenance work, hostel facilities and essential infrastructure improvements while ensuring transparency in expenditure.
Police detain protesters
Despite the assurances provided by the university administration, the protesting students remained unconvinced and attempted to continue their agitation. The situation eventually led to intervention by the Konaje police, who detained the protesters to restore order on the campus.
The detained students were later released.
Among those present during the protest were Konaje city secretary Manu and university student union office-bearers Nihar, Shreesha, Apeksha, Kesari and Yashwin, along with several ABVP activists and students.
The protest has once again brought attention to infrastructure concerns and administrative accountability at Mangalore University, with students insisting that concrete action rather than assurances is needed to address long-pending issues.