Date:15/06/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/06/15/stories/2005061518130400.htm

Karnataka

Student bodies demand higher govt. quota

Special Correspondent

BANGALORE: The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishat and the Students' Federation of India (SFI) held protest demonstrations near the CET (Common Entrance Test) Cell on Tuesday morning during the visit of the Minister for Higher Education, D. Manjunath, prior to the first counselling session for special category candidates.

Members of the SFI burnt an effigy of R. Jalappa, chairman of COMED-K (Consortium of Medical, Engineering and Dental Colleges of Karnataka). They shouted slogans decrying the Government's "sell out to private college managements" and alleged that the Government has failed to protect the interests of students.

Members of the ABVP protested against the 50:50 seat-sharing formula and demanded that the government quota be increased to 65 per cent. They also submitted a memorandum to the Minister in this regard. Mr. Manjunath said he will bring the demand to the notice of the Chief Minister.

Because of the demonstrations on the busy Malleswaram 18th Cross, there was tension for some time. Anxious students and parents, who had gathered at the CET Cell, looked on with apprehension.

Last year, a protest demonstration turned violent, and damage was caused to the CET Cell premises and to passing vehicles. Tuesday's demonstrations ended peacefully. The police, who were deployed in strength as a precaution, appeared to vastly outnumber the protesters.