SFI to hold massive protest in Hyderabad on September 27
Hyderabad: The Student Federation of India (SFI) Telangana State Committee is organising a significant protest on September 27, 2024, at Indira Park, Hyderabad, aimed at addressing pressing issues in the education sector across the state.
Speaking with the Hyderabad Mail, Srimanu, a member of SFI Hyderabad, said, “We are hosting this protest to raise awareness about the various challenges students are facing. Students from all colleges in the city, as well as those from districts throughout Telangana, will participate, supported by individual SFI committees.”
Key demands highlighted by Srimanu include the immediate release of pending scholarships and fee reimbursements amounting to Rs. 8,245 crores. He also called for adjustments in mess and cosmetic charges to align with rising prices, ensuring timely payment of diet bills, and the construction of welfare hostels that are currently maintained in rented buildings. Additionally, he urged an end to the merger and closure of hostels.
Addressing the broader issues in the education sector, Srimanu stated, “We demand a halt to the closure of government schools and proper repairs for those in dilapidated conditions. Contingency funds should be allocated for school development, and the 25,000 vacant teacher positions in the state must be filled. The posts of regular Mandal Educational Officers (MEO), District Educational Officers (DEO), and Deputy DEOs should also be filled promptly.”
The protest will advocate for resolving issues in SC, ST, BC, and minority gurukuls, as well as improving infrastructure and increasing funding for the mid-day meal scheme in schools. Srimanu insisted that pending bills should be paid and that the mid-day meal programme should be extended to intermediate students. Furthermore, he highlighted the need to fill vacant faculty and non-teaching positions in degree colleges and universities.
Another critical point raised was the regulation of fees in private and corporate educational institutions, along with the appointment of regular vice-chancellors to ensure that universities can operate independently and maintain their status. The demands included fellowships for research students and government coverage for all university mess dues.
Srimanu further expressed concerns about the implementation of the National Education Policy of India 2020 in the state, insisting that the plan to abolish intermediate education should be abandoned.
In light of ongoing issues regarding NEET admissions, he noted, “Students and parents are in a state of panic as the Telangana government has yet to announce dates for NEET admissions, even after completing all-India quota counselling. It is crucial that NEET admissions begin immediately and that counselling is conducted without further delay.”
