Mysuru: The All India Democratic Students’ Organization (AIDSO) held a protest in front of the old DC’s office here, demanding the abolition of the NRI quota in state govt medical colleges. Students from several colleges participated in the protest.Speaking on the occasion, district secretary Nitin said that the introduction of the NRI quota in govt medical colleges has pushed economically-disadvantaged students of the state, who dream of medical education, into anxiety. “Already, 15% of seats are allocated under the all India quota. If an additional 15% of seats are given to the NRI quota, then in a batch of 200 students, only 140 seats will remain for students from the state,” he said.“Govt medical colleges were established to provide quality higher education to eligible and talented students, regardless of their economic background. By reserving seats for wealthy NRI students, the opportunities for hundreds of talented students from working-class, poor, and middle-class families who aspire to serve society as doctors are being curtailed,” he alleged.AIDSO district vice-president Swathi stated that at a time when there are 12,447 vacant teaching positions in Karnataka’s govt medical colleges, govt should prioritise filling these positions and improving infrastructure. “Strengthening the teaching staff and facilities is the real need. The govt must take the initiative to meet these requirements and create opportunities for eligible and talented students by abolishing the 15% NRI quota,” she said.She warned that this decision is a dangerous step toward turning govt colleges into profit-making centres like private institutions.District president Chandrakala, district secretary Nitin, district vice-president Swathi, office bearers Chandrika, Disha, Anjali, and over a hundred students from various colleges participated in the protest.
