The All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO) has strongly criticised successive governments for consistent budget cuts to public education, arguing that such policies are eroding access to quality education for economically weaker sections of society. At a recent conference, the organisation outlined the negative impacts of privatisation and corporatisation on public education, highlighting how these trends widen the gap between privileged and marginalised communities.
Rising Costs and Infrastructure Deficits
AIDSO emphasised that increasing tuition fees, lack of proper infrastructure, and rising education costs are deepening inequalities in access to education. Public education, once regarded as a cornerstone of social equality, is steadily deteriorating due to these systemic challenges.
Criticism of NEP 2020
The organisation also condemned the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, introduced by the central government without sufficient public consultation. AIDSO claims the policy prioritises commercialisation over accessibility, disproportionately affecting rural and underprivileged students.
The impact of NEP implementation in Karnataka has been particularly severe, according to AIDSO. The organisation highlighted the closure of 13,800 government schools under the guise of mergers, which they argue deprived thousands of students of access to education. Additionally, the introduction of a four-year undergraduate programme has increased financial burdens on families.
Statewide Student Protests
AIDSO’s leadership sparked widespread protests across Karnataka, with students opposing NEP 2020’s implementation. Over 37 lakh people signed petitions demanding the policy’s repeal. This grassroots movement ultimately led to the Karnataka government withdrawing the policy.
Key Demands for Educational Reform
To address these issues, AIDSO has put forward several demands aimed at safeguarding public education:
- Halt fee hikes and reduce the financial burden on students.
- Reopen closed government schools and strengthen public education infrastructure.
- Fill vacant teaching positions to ensure quality education in government institutions.
- Repeal NEP 2020 and other policies that promote privatisation and corporatisation of education.
- Increase budget allocations for education at the state and national levels.
- Ensure campus safety for women to promote inclusivity and equal opportunity.
- Conduct free and fair student union elections to empower students.
Upcoming Conference in New Delhi
To further its cause, AIDSO is set to host the 10th All India Students Conference in New Delhi from November 27 to 29. The event will bring together students, educators, and activists to strategise and build a stronger movement against policies like NEP 2020.
Ajay Kamath, state secretary of AIDSO, stated, “The challenges in India’s education system require immediate and united action. Our fight is not only to ensure accessible education for all but also to safeguard public education from being dismantled.”
Conclusion
The AIDSO’s efforts reflect a growing concern about the future of public education in India. By rallying students and educators nationwide, the organisation aims to preserve the foundational role of education in promoting equality and social mobility. The upcoming conference in New Delhi is expected to provide a crucial platform for shaping strategies to counter policies that undermine public education.
