Students at the University BDT College of Engineering in Davangere, Karnataka, are urging the state government to assume full control over the college's administration and funding in response to a new Management Quota system introduced by the Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) this academic year.
This system, allowing half of the seats to be sold for Rs 97,000, has sparked opposition from student groups, with the All India Democratic Students' Organisation (AIDSO) even staging a bandh in Davangere on October 16.
Students argue that the payment quota poses a financial burden, particularly affecting those from low-income backgrounds, and diminishes opportunities for merit-based students. Many already face high fees, with recent hikes adding to the strain. They also criticize the move as aligning with the self-financing model of NEP 2020, which Karnataka’s new government claimed it would replace. Concerns include potential management quota increases and spread across VTU-affiliated colleges.
Students claim VTU struggles to maintain the college without government support and believe direct administration by the Karnataka State Government would prevent fee hikes and fill vacant seats across state engineering colleges. Following a meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on October 19, the CM pledged to consider their request.
