Students protest against the shift of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences HQ

Mysuru: The shifting of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) headquarters from Jayanagar to Ramanagara recently met with nearly a 1000 strong student protest demonstration at State Bank of Mysore Circle on Tuesday. These students belong to medical colleges affiliated to the university. The reason for the protest is that the shift would inconvenience them as graduates who are yet to get their degrees. They were also protesting against , the shift happening without the prior consent of students and faculty, as the money that was to be used in this change was that of the students.

Highlighting the additional woes the shift might add for students from North Karnataka and other states, Amit Hegde, President, Karnataka State Medical Stu dents Union said, "Many of us will have to make several rounds between the Karnataka Medical Council (KMC) and the university to obtain degree and no-objection certificates, register with the KMC and to complete other formalities. It is much better if both are in the same place.Further, they are using the university funds to set up the new campus."

Faculty and Members of Management also came out in support of these students. Dr B R Ramakrishna, Senate member, RGUHS said, " its a violation of the autonomy of the university. "

“It is the money of the students and only they have the right to use it; it should not be used for capital gain. Our students are not interested in this 'health city' that is supposed to come up, they care about education, infrastructure and a convenient atmosphere. Students should have been informed. As their representatives, the faculty and senate syndicate were not consulted. The government is free to build anything they want, but they must not do it with the money of students, “ he added.

Manish, a student of Bangalore Medical College, highlighted the need for a research centre, instead of a new campus far away.

"There's no place here for us to do our research. For everything, we have to go to Nimhans. Not a single stu dent wants the campus to be shifted, but everyone wants better facilities," he told Bangalore Mirror.

The RGUHS on Tuesday informed the high court that based on the availability of space at the Kandaya Bhavan in Ramnagara, other departments will be shifted.

"It's the obligation of the university to ensure the examination work, interest of students and day-to-day administration are not hampered," said Registrar C M Noor Mansoor. The petitioners urged the court to retain Bengaluru as an additional campus.
Additional Advocate General, A. S. Ponnanna called the petition filed by a batch of principals and vice-principals as not maintainable.