Ban-NEET protests staged in Chennai
Members of the anti-NEET Federation in Tamil Nadu have staged a long protest and hunger strike, demanding a ban on the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and permission to hold continuous public protests. They are also demanding that education be brought back under the state list.
Discrimination of a Dalit PhD scholar at Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University
On 14th August, Anagha Sasi, a Dalit PhD scholar, and her mother launched an indefinite sit-in at Malayalam University. Although she completed her PhD coursework, the authorities continue to harass her. Faculty members also forced her to perform non-academic chores including sweeping, dusting and washing laboratory equipment. Student unions have joined the agitation demanding declaration of Doctoral committee, giving her laboratory access, action against officials who sabotaged enquiry process, and the arrest of the guides under SC-ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.
Hunger strike results in victory at UoH
Students of the University of Hyderabad, Srestha, Sidhant, and Riya, had launched an indefinite hunger strike over six key demands, including menstrual leave, a fellowship hike, and gender-sensitisation workshops. While the admin had initially refused to speak with the students, after four days of hunger strike, the admin accepted all of their demands on August 23rd.
Student’s suicide triggers protests in IIT-Delhi
Following a student’s tragic suicide, over 2000 students of IIT Delhi began an indefinite protest on 23rd August. Since 2023, 8 students have died by suicide, leading to widespread outrage over the institute’s neglect of mental health of students. The students have demanded the dean’s resignation, independent investigation into the suicide, 1 Crore compensation for victim’s family and assurance of disciplinary action against protesters.
Students protest against cancellation of UGC-NET papers
Several students protested outside the National Testing Agency (NTA) office in Delhi on 17th August. After receiving complaints of repeating questions from previous years and of factual, linguistic and translation errors, the NTA cancelled the English, Commerce and Sociology papers, forcing students to take re-exams. The protesters demanded dismantling of the NTA. They were later detained forcibly by the Delhi police.
Bar Council of India (BCI) receives backlash from students and lawyers
When NALSAR, Hyderabad students came to know that CJI Surya Kant had been invited as the chief guest for their convocation, they expressed dissent due to his cockroach remarks. Following this, the BCI intervened and issued an order banning the graduating batch from being enrolled as advocates. The order received massive backlash from students and lawyers across India, forcing the BCI to withdraw the order.
ABVP attacks Jadavpur University
Violence erupted when BJP and ABVP goons stormed the Jadavpur University campus, instigated by the local BJP MLA. They vandalised union rooms, torched property, and assaulted students. The violence continued on the streets on 20th August, when ABVP and other right-wing outfits blocked the campus gates and hurled stones at the university students besides breaking the university emblem designed by Nandalal Bose. The incident has garnered widespread condemnation towards the ABVP across India.
