Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (AF)

Mangalore, Feb 29: Members of Students' Federation of India (SFI) staged a protest in front of zilla panchayat office here on Wednesday February 27 demanding the revocation of the order regarding cut-off percentage for scholarships to students belonging to scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.

The students alleged that the order was politically motivated and expressed their concern over SC and ST students not being able to secure the required percentage to obtain scholarships. The order, passed by union ministry of social justice and empowerment, states that the students must procure minimum 60 per cent in PUC to be eligible for the scholarships.

The students further said that most of the SC and ST students hail from poor families and are not in a position to afford books and tuitions which in turn affects their studies. A memorandum in this regard was submitted to the CEO of zilla panchayat on the occasion.

A press release from SFI, Beltangady stated that the government was betraying the cause of education by passing such an order.

The protest was a part of the state-wide campaign launched by SFI last week. The federation has also launched an indefinite strike in Bangalore.