The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) staged a protest at Mangalore University's Konaje campus on Friday, urging the four-decade-old institution to address what they described as long-standing basic issues affecting students across various departments. Representatives of the student organization also submitted a memorandum to university authorities, calling for immediate action on grievances related to facilities, fees, and academics.
Memorandum Highlights Deterioration
In the memorandum, the ABVP acknowledged that Mangalore University has built a reputation as a prestigious institution nationally and internationally by providing quality education and a supportive environment to lakhs of students. However, it alleged that the university's functioning has deteriorated over the last decade due to “corruption scandals” and administrative inefficiency, warning that the institution is heading toward a decline. Labeling the situation “shameful,” the ABVP said the university, once considered financially strong, is now struggling to provide even basic amenities. It further claimed that the accumulation of unresolved problems has damaged the reputation of one of Mangaluru’s best-known public institutions.
Key Demands Raised
Among the demands, the ABVP flagged what it termed an “unjust” MBA laboratory fee. It said MBA students are being charged Rs 12,000 despite the absence of a functional lab facility, and demanded the fee be withdrawn and the collected amount refunded. The memorandum also raised concerns about drinking water access, stating that there are no water purifiers in the botany, economics, and zoology departments, and in the auditorium. It added that around 240 students on the second floor of the science block are dependent on a single filter, and called for RO water purifiers in every department.
On infrastructure, the ABVP pointed to a shortage of working computers in the library science, computer science, and computer applications departments, seeking immediate supply of 64 computers sanctioned under the PM-USHA scheme. It also sought repair or replacement of damaged furniture and air conditioners, and demanded a regular maintenance system, citing damaged lab instruments in chemistry and life sciences.
Sports and Faculty Issues
The ABVP further alleged neglect of sports facilities for four years, and sought restoration of infrastructure, including a damaged indoor wooden court. It demanded appointment of permanent faculty, stating no permanent teaching staff have been recruited since 2013.
Fee and Examination Irregularities
The memorandum also cited fee and examination irregularities, including high convocation fees and an examination fee of Rs 3,650 charged to certain internship batches despite no examination. It raised concerns about stalled placements and alleged discriminatory entry restrictions for regular students. The ABVP also sought faster issuance of marks cards, resolution of EBL scholarship issues for SC/ST students, and quicker processing of chemical buy tenders.
