Scores of students marched to Karnatak University, Dharwad (KUD), on Wednesday (July 29) to protest against the fee hike in Karnatak Science College, a constituent college of the university, and demanded immediate withdrawal of the fee hike.

The ‘University Chalo’ protest march, held under the aegis of All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO), concluded in front of the Vice-Chancellor’s office, where a demonstration and sit-in was held.

Addressing the protesters, AISDO State secretariat member Vinay Chandra accused the State government of shifting the financial burden to the students by steadily reducing grants to government educational institutions and universities. “The government is pursuing policies that promote the privatisation of education by converting educational institutions into self-financing entities,” he claimed.

AIDSO Dharwad district unit secretary Shashikala Meti said that from the current academic year, the admission fees at Karntak Science College had been increased by ₹6,413 for BSc students and ₹10,522 for BCA students.

She said that most students of the college were from agrarian families. As drought had already hit them hard, they were facing financial crises.

Ms. Meti urged the university authorities to immediately withdraw the fee hike and also refund the additional amount towards fees already collected from some students.

The protesters subsequently submitted a memorandum to KUD registrar N. Ramanjaneyalu, who promised to consider their demands. AIDSO office-bearers Shantesh Nandikolmath, Siddu Chippalakatti and others led the protest.

Published - July 29, 2026 06:54 pm IST