Bangalore University students boycott classes, shut down campus over lack of basic facilities

BENGALURU: Students of the Bangalore University on Tuesday boycotted classes and shut down the entire university to protest against the lack of basic facilities on the Jnana Bharati campus. They took out a march on the campus and sat in front of the main entrance of the administrative building holding placards seeking fulfilment of their demands.

Students’ union president Satish said the campus lacks basic facilities. “We had sought adequate number of ladies toilets in all the blocks, gymnasium and playground. Laptops have not been distributed for over a year, but the university administration is not responding positively to our demands”, he said.

Student leaders Satish and Chaitra.

“Post-graduate students are given Rs 750 monthly stipend which is not enough. We have demanded that it should be raised to Rs 1,500-2,000, but no response. The vice-chancellor and registrar are not responding to our demands. Several deadlines have passed and if this continues, we will plan to gherao the Raj Bhavan. Let them give a written assurance on fulfilling our demands”, he added.

Student leader Chaitra said girl students have been demanding installation of sanitary pad dispensing machines in washrooms. “There is no wifi or proper drinking water facilities. They kept putting off heeding our demands on the pretext of NAAC inspection, election code of conduct, government formation”.

Bangalore University vice chancellor Dr Jayakar S M promised to look into the students’ demands.

Bangalore University vice-chancellor Dr Jayakar S M met the students on the campus and assured them that all demands will be looked into. “These are our students and the university is for them. We will hold discussions with them and sort out the issues”, he said.