Students protest closure of nine public universities in Karnataka

Hundreds of students, led by the Akhila Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), staged a protest demanding the Karnataka government reverse its decision to shut down nine public universities. The demonstrators called for increased funding for these institutions in the upcoming state budget.

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Following the protest, several ABVP activists attempted to lay siege to Vidhana Soudha, leading to a large-scale police crackdown and multiple arrests.

ABVP leaders have been organizing statewide demonstrations against the proposed closures for several days. They argue that these newly established universities play a crucial role in expanding higher education access, particularly in Karnataka’s backward districts. The institutions have been instrumental in promoting education among economically disadvantaged students, talented individuals, and female learners.

Student leaders emphasized the need for modernizing these universities rather than shutting them down. They urged the government to transform them into centers of digital learning with minimal administrative hurdles. According to ABVP representatives, leveraging technology would ensure maximum educational outreach, distinguishing these institutions from traditional universities in the state.

The protest underscores growing concerns over access to affordable education and the impact of policy decisions on students in marginalized communities. With mounting pressure, the state government now faces calls for a reassessment of its stance on university closures.