AIDSO Protests NRI Quota in Government Medical Colleges Across Karnataka

Quick Summary

• Students affiliated with teh All India Democratic students Organisation (AIDSO) staged protests in Kalaburagi and ballari on Wednesday.
• The demonstrations opposed the Karnataka State government’s decision to introduce a 15% NRI quota in government medical colleges starting from the academic year 2025-26.
• Protesters, including district secretary Tuljaram N.K.,argued that this move would disadvantage poor and meritorious students by prioritizing wealthy NRI candidates.
• Speeches highlighted concerns that an additional NRI quota alongside the 15% All India quota would leave only about 140 out of every 200 seats for local students.
• AIDSO leaders also criticized deficiencies such as over 12,000 unfilled faculty positions and inadequate infrastructure in medical colleges.they demanded improvements instead of implementing profit-oriented policies.
• Memorandums were submitted urging the government to withdraw its decision instantly.

!1200/1025810920251823271AIDSO_3.JPEG”>Protest demonstration outside Deputy Commissioner’s office Ballari

Indian Opinion Analysis

The protests against the proposed 15% NRI quota illustrate growing concerns regarding equitable access to education, especially in public-funded institutions. Critics argue that introducing such quotas pivots away from inclusivity by favoring wealthier candidates over disadvantaged yet deserving students. With existing challenges like insufficient infrastructure and staff shortages already limiting accessibility across government medical colleges, adding profit-driven policies could deepen educational inequities.

This progress underscores broader debates about balancing financial sustainability with social welfare goals within higher education policy frameworks. Stakeholder demands for scrapping this move point toward heightened sensitivity around prioritizing affordability and meritocracy for underserved populations-a long-standing issue not unique to Karnataka but relevant nationwide.

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