Mysore/Mysuru: The University of Mysore (UoM) Research Students Association has urged the Government to hike annual income ceiling to Rs. 10 lakh from the current Rs. 2.5 lakh in order to enable students from SC, ST and OBC communities to avail Government benefits and reservation in Government jobs and college admissions.

Addressing a press meet here on Feb. 17, Association President S. Maridevaiah said that the Government has fixed the annual income ceiling at Rs. 8 lakh for candidates from the economically backward Brahmin community but has fixed the income ceiling at Rs. 2.5 lakh for SC, ST and OBC candidates, who are far more economically backward. As such, the Government should seriously consider fixing the income ceiling at Rs. 10 lakh for these sections of the society, which have suffered from poverty and hunger for decades.

He also demanded distribution of free laptops to all Under-Graduate, Post-Graduate and Research scholars, release of  SC/ST student scholarship for past year, admission of all applicants in hostels and a cut in entry fee, annual fee, extension fee and other fees of researchers.

Former Mayor Purushotham, who also addressed the press meet, wanted the Government to ensure quality teaching in higher education institutions and proper use of sanctioned funds in Universities.

Association office-bearers C. Arun Kumar, G.S. Kiran, M. Prasad and Ravikumar were present during the press meet.