AISA Condemns Fund Cuts and Demands Education for All

AISA organised a protest at UGC headquarters in New Delhi on January 28 condemning the central government’s persistent reduction of funds to higher education institutions and demanding urgent reforms to ensure equitable access for marginalised students.

The demonstration marked a renewed call to address grievances first highlighted during a 16-day student hunger strike in August 2024. Protesters stressed the unmet need for increased financial support, including hikes to the Merit-cum-Means (MCM) scholarship and Non-NET fellowships, which remain critical for students grappling with soaring living costs.

During last year’s hunger strike, students successfully pressured authorities to acknowledge the necessity of raising the MCM scholarship from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000 per month. However, the administration cited a lack of funds, claiming Rs. 6 crores annually would be required—a sum AISA dismisses as negligible against the backdrop of rising expenses, including monthly mess bills averaging Rs. 3,500-4,000.

AISA also slammed the government’s 2022 decision to scrap the Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF), a scheme supporting minority community scholars. The move exemplifies systemic exclusion and aligns with the “privatisation agenda” of the National Education Policy (NEP). “Discontinuing MANF erodes the rights of minorities while the NEP fragments education into a privilege for the elite,” JNUSU President and AISA leader Dhananjay stated.

Further demands include a nationwide caste census in educational institutions and the publication of data on caste-based discrimination—steps deemed vital to dismantling institutional barriers. The University Grants Commission (UGC) faces sharp criticism for its inaction on these issues despite repeated appeals.

In a scathing indictment of government policy, AISA accused the regime of perpetuating “neo-liberal, fascist policies” that entrench inequality. “Education, a fundamental right, is being weaponised to exclude Dalits, Adivasis, minorities, and women,” the group asserted, linking current challenges to historical oppression.

The protest concluded with calls for unity among students, academics, and citizens to resist “regressive” reforms and champion an inclusive education system, and fight for an education system that upholds equity, dignity, and justice for all.  

AISA demands:

1. Immediate funding increases for MCM scholarships and Non-NET fellowships.
2. Reinstatement of the Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF).
3. Transparency through caste discrimination data and nationwide caste census in universities.