Gujarat: ABVP Stages Protest at MSU Vadodara Over Changes in Scholarship Policy
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Synopsis
On February 13, ABVP members protested near MSU Vadodara against a government circular that alters scholarship eligibility, impacting thousands of economically disadvantaged students. Cultural activities marked the day, while activists demanded restoration of scholarships for all students.
Key Takeaways
- ABVP protests against scholarship eligibility changes.
- Over 50,000 students could be affected.
- Cultural events highlighted the significance of the day.
- Protests occurred across the state, including Vadodara and Ahmedabad.
- Local police managed the situation to prevent escalation.
Vadodara, Feb 13 (NationPress) Members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) held a protest outside the Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) on Thursday to express their opposition to a recent government circular impacting scholarship eligibility.
Students, adorned in traditional clothing, engaged in various cultural events, including garba performances, to celebrate the day's importance.
While MSU was filled with students celebrating Traditional Day, ABVP activists assembled in significant numbers in the Fatehganj region, right outside the university.
The latest directive from the Central government states that candidates enrolled under the management quota in the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme will lose their eligibility for scholarships.
The Gujarat government issued a circular on October 28, 2024, clarifying that students admitted through vacant seats would be categorized under the management quota.
This alteration in policy is projected to affect over 50,000 students from economically weaker sections, rendering them ineligible for financial support. The main issue pertains to a government circular that disqualifies students admitted under the management quota from obtaining scholarships. This policy adjustment has far-reaching consequences for students from Scheduled Tribes (ST) and other reserved groups who gain admission via management quotas. Previously, these students could apply for scholarships, but the new rule has sparked widespread dissatisfaction.
In retaliation, ABVP members have organized protests across the state, including prominent demonstrations in Vadodara and Ahmedabad. These protests underscore the organization's demand for the restoration of scholarships for all deserving students, irrespective of their admission category. As part of their protest, ABVP members took to the streets, setting fire to copies of the circular.
Local law enforcement was deployed to oversee the situation and avert any escalation. This protest is part of a larger state-wide initiative by ABVP, contesting the revised scholarship criteria and advocating for the rights of marginalized students.
