Date:22/08/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/22/stories/2006082219280400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

SFI calls for Statewide bandh on Thursday

Staff Reporter

Bangalore: The Students Federation of India (SFI) has called for a Statewide bandh of schools and colleges on August 24, urging the Government to fulfil its various demands.

Representatives of Students Federation of India here on Monday threatened to intensify their agitation if the Government failed to respond to their demands, including filling of vacant posts of teaching and non-teaching staff and 27 per cent reservation for OBCs from the next academic year.

B. Rajasekhar Murthy, SFI State president, demanded that the State earmark 30 per cent of its budget for education sector, while the Centre should allocate 10 per cent. Six per cent of the Gross Domestic Product should be earmarked for the education sector, he said.

Fees

Mr. Murthy alleged that the coalition Government in the State was not taking the interests of students into account while fixing fees for professional courses and was protecting the interests of private educational institutions by increasing fees for such courses.

"Despite seven months of the present Government being in power the Rs. 35 crore promised for providing basic facilities in government-run hostels is yet to be released," he said.