Mysore/Mysuru: Alleging delaying tactics by the State Social Welfare Department in releasing stipend of SC/ST Law graduates, the office-bearers of Karnataka Yuva Vedike, Dalit Sangarsha Samithi (DSS) and other Progressive organisations staged a protest in front of Social Welfare Department  Joint Director Office in Paduvarahalli  recently.

The protestors, led by Advocate N. Punith and Kallahalli Kumar, shouted slogans against the Government. Later, speaking to presspersons they demanded the withdrawal of Government order cancelling free admissions for SC/ST students. They also urged the Government to provide basic infrastructure at hostels which are being run by the Department in rented buildings.

“SC/ST Law graduates have not received their stipend for the last 8 months as the officials of Social Welfare Department are following delaying tactics. In addition, even the cash prizes given to graduates have not been released for the last 2 to 3 years. Apart from this, contrary to the advertisements, the Department is also not formulating policies towards the quality of education of SC/ST students. The Government by issuing advertisements for the sake of it, is cheating the student community,” they charged. 

Social Welfare Department official Ravikumar, who visited the protest venue, received a memorandum of 8 demands from the protestors. Graduates Paramjyothi, Pradeep, Nandeesh and others participated in the protest.