In a shocking educational crisis gripping Karnataka, countless students find their academic futures hanging in the balance as numerous colleges and educational institutions continue to illegally withhold original documents, defying clear government directives and leaving young scholars in academic limbo.
The Silent Academic Prison
Across Karnataka's educational landscape, students are reporting widespread instances where colleges refuse to return crucial original documents including SSLC certificates, PUC marks cards, and transfer certificates. This practice, despite being explicitly banned by educational authorities, has created what students describe as an "academic prison" where their futures remain hostage to institutional stubbornness.
Government Bans Ignored
The Karnataka government has repeatedly issued circulars and notifications prohibiting educational institutions from retaining students' original documents. Yet, ground reality tells a different story. Many private colleges and educational establishments continue this illegal practice, often citing various excuses ranging from pending fees to administrative formalities.
Student Voices: Dreams on Hold
"I lost a scholarship opportunity abroad because my college refused to return my original marks cards," shares Priya Sharma, a Bengaluru-based student. "They kept demanding additional fees that weren't even part of my course structure. My entire academic career is now compromised because of their illegal actions."
The Domino Effect on Careers
The consequences of document withholding are far-reaching and devastating:
- Missed higher education opportunities in premier institutions
- Lost employment prospects and job offers
- Scholarship applications rendered invalid
- Study abroad dreams shattered due to missed deadlines
- Mental health deterioration among affected students
Legal Recourse Available
Education law experts emphasize that students have multiple avenues for redressal:
- Formal complaints to the Department of Pre-University Education
- Approaching the Karnataka Education Regulatory Authority
- Legal notices under the Indian Contracts Act
- Writ petitions in the Karnataka High Court
What the Law Says
Legal experts confirm that withholding original documents constitutes both a civil wrong and a potential criminal offense. The practice violates multiple education regulations and consumer protection laws, giving students strong legal footing to challenge such actions.
A Call for Systemic Reform
Education activists and student unions are demanding stricter enforcement mechanisms and heavier penalties for institutions flouting the rules. They argue that until concrete action is taken against violating colleges, students will continue to suffer the consequences of institutional malpractice.
The time has come for Karnataka's education system to prioritize student welfare over institutional convenience, ensuring that no young learner's future remains hostage to illegal document retention practices.
