An all India universities strike has been called upon by
students in response to a recommendation for scrapping the non-NET fellowship.
It will be started from February 18, 2016 with a signature campaign being held
on Monday, January 18.
The students group said that the strike is due to the delay by the government in its stand regarding the committee constituted after protests were made to UGC's decision to discontinue the non-NET fellowship scheme. The students had started an 'Occupy UGC' movement but government failed to respond to it. They protested against the decision and as a result, a review committee was set up. However, the MHRD, the UGC or the review committee arrived at a decision. The HRD minister, Smriti Irani gave some assurances about a representation, but there has not been an order to continue the fellowship. Also, the students were not even granted an appointment with MHRD.
Students said that the government didn't have any clarity about the committee nor its discussions. They were told that there will be no meeting on 16th Jan and there wasn't any alternative date issued for the meeting. This portrays an irresponsible and careless attitude on part of the government towards students and their issues.
The statement by students said that a signature campaign will be started by the team on January 18th. It will mainly focus on increasing the budget for education to be increased to 10% as fund-cuts in education under World Bank. According to them, WTO diktats are ruining the education system of our country. The campaign will end on February 15th and signatures will be submitted to MHRD.