Mysore/Mysuru: Members of All India Democratic Students Organisation (AIDSO) staged a protest in front of Crawford Hall, University of Mysore(UOM) yesterday, demanding the cancellation of undemocratic four-year degree course which was introduced in the State under National Education Policy (NEP).

“The previous BJP led State Government hastily implemented the NEP-2020 in the State without any preparations. It undemocratically imposed the four-year degree course which was part of the NEP and harmed the future of the students,” alleged the AIDSO activists.

Stating that AIDSO had strongly protested against implementation of NEP across the State, they said that more than 36,000 members of AIDSO have collected over 36 lakh student signatures from every corner of the State who have voiced their opposition to NEP.

“NEP has been pushed back from the State because of these strong protests. Now the  State Government has formed a committee to formulate a new State Education Policy (SEP). Demanding the implementation of a pro-people SEP, AIDSO contacted 23,000 students and conducted a survey where 83% of the respondents have opposed the four-year degree course,” added the AIDSO activists.

Expressing their concern about the statement of the committee that it will submit its final report in August this year, they pointed out that the State Government has not taken a clear stand about withdrawing the four-year degree course. This delay by the Government has pushed the future of the students into a dilemma as the students who are entering the 6th semester are unsure whether it is their final year or they have study for one more year. There is no clarity for students whose third year degree course will end in the next 2-3 months and they are worried about their future,” said the protesters and demanded that the Government must not delay further in taking a firm decision.

AIDSO District President Subhash, Secretary Chandrakala, Vice-Presidents Nitin, Swati, AIDSO members Chandana,Chandrika, Hemalata, Anjali and hundreds of students from Maharaja’s and Maharani colleges participated in the protest.