MLA extends support to students agitating at Central University in Kalaburagi

KALABURAGI Aland MLA B.R. Patil supports students protesting against the cancellation of Ph.D admissions at Central University of Karnataka.

Aland MLA B.R. Patil visited the campus of the Central University of Karnataka near Kalaburagi on Wednesday and extended support to students who are on strike condemning the cancellation of Ph.D admissions to certain students.

“As a lawyer, I can say that the circular issued by the university authorities cancelling the Ph.D admissions is illegal. None can go against the law. However, the university authorities have taken a step that goes against the law. It cannot stand in a court of law. They will be proved wrong. Your agitation is an ideological battle and I am with you,” Mr. Patil, who is also Political Advisor to Chief Minister, said.

Appealing to the university authorities to discuss the issue with the agitating students and settle the matter amicably to restore good educational environment so that all students can continue their studies and research freely, Mr. Patil demanded that the university authorities withdraw the circular that cancelled the Ph.D admissions of certain students and also the restrictions imposed on students.

“Nandakumar [one of the Ph.D students on strike] is not a criminal. The university committee itself has selected him for Ph.D and those who have nothing do with the committee have taken action. It is against natural justice,” Mr. Patil said.

He also appealed to the agitating students not to go against the law while protesting against the injustice.

“I appeal to you also to unlock the administration building and allow the university authorities to work as usual. They should not blame you later for your action,” he said.

The university registrar, in a circular on March 22, declared that the admission of 12 Ph.D scholars from seven departments, who joined in 2018 but have not yet completed their course by submitting their thesis, cancelled with immediate effect.