Bengaluru: Students protest government move to convert colleges into ‘Constituent Units’

Opposition over fear of higher fees as RC College and Government Arts College face proposed restructuring

Hundreds of students staged a protest in Bengaluru opposing the Karnataka government’s proposal to convert Government RC College and Government Arts College into constituent colleges under Dr Manmohan Singh Bengaluru City University.

The protest was held at Freedom Park today, where students gathered to voice concerns that the move would lead to a significant increase in fees and place an added financial burden on students from poor and middle-class families.

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According to the protesting students, both Government RC College and Government Arts College currently cater largely to economically weaker sections. They argued that converting these institutions into constituent colleges would result in higher tuition and administrative charges, making higher education unaffordable for many.

The government is preparing to bring both colleges under the direct administrative control of Dr Manmohan Singh Bengaluru City University. Students fear that once the colleges become constituent units, existing fee structures will change, directly impacting access to education.

Protesters demanded that the government withdraw the proposal and allow the colleges to continue functioning as government institutions with affordable fees. They said even a small increase in costs could force many students to discontinue their studies.

Students also expressed concern that the decision was being taken without proper consultation with stakeholders, including students and faculty. They urged the authorities to reconsider the move in the interest of social equity and educational inclusion.