Mangaluru: Celebrations and protests were witnessed at the University College campus in Hampankatta on Wednesday following the state government’s announcement in the budget to restart student union elections in colleges and launch Student Indira Canteens.
NSUI members celebrate budget announcement
Members of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) celebrated the announcement on the college campus, welcoming the state government’s decision to revive student union elections in higher educational institutions.
The student organisation said the move would help strengthen democratic participation among students and give them an opportunity to raise campus-related issues through elected representatives.
NSUI members also welcomed the proposal to introduce Student Indira Canteens in colleges, which are expected to provide subsidised meals to students. According to supporters of the initiative, the canteens could benefit students from economically weaker backgrounds by making affordable food available within campuses.
Students associated with the organisation gathered on the campus to express their support for the government’s decision and marked the occasion with celebrations.
ABVP stages protest
Meanwhile, members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) staged a protest condemning the celebrations held by NSUI activists.
The protesting students alleged that NSUI members had entered the college premises and disrupted academic activities while celebrating the announcement.
ABVP activists gathered near the college entrance gate and raised slogans against the NSUI organisation, accusing them of creating disturbance on the campus.
The protesters also directed slogans against the college principal, alleging that permission had been granted for NSUI members to enter and hold celebrations inside the campus.
Tense scenes near college gate
The protest led to tense scenes near the college entrance as members of both student groups expressed opposing views regarding the development.
ABVP activists continued their demonstration for some time, raising slogans and expressing their dissatisfaction over the situation.
However, no major untoward incidents were reported during the protest. The situation later stabilised as the demonstration concluded.
Student politics back in focus
The state government’s announcement to restart student union elections has brought student politics back into focus in college campuses across the state.
Student organisations have expressed differing views regarding the decision, with some welcoming the move as a step towards strengthening student representation, while others have raised concerns about potential disruptions to academic activities.
The announcement regarding Student Indira Canteens has also generated discussion among students, with many expressing hope that subsidised food facilities could support students facing financial difficulties.
The developments at the campus reflected the broader reactions emerging from student groups in response to the budget announcement.