The Mysuru district unit of the All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO) on Friday staged a protest in front of the old Deputy Commissioner’s office, demanding the abolition of the National Testing Agency (NTA), the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and protection of public education.
Addressing the protesters, AIDSO district president Chandrakala alleged that the Centre had shown “gross negligence” towards students and youth agitating against alleged irregularities in the education system. Referring to the July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, she alleged that Delhi Police resorted to lathi-charge and tear gas against peacefully protesting students, leaving several injured and many detained. She also alleged that the Union Home Ministry had ordered action against protesters under the National Security Act (NSA), describing the move as a blow to democratic values. She warned that governments could not suppress people’s movements seeking justice.
Social activist Ugra Narasimhegowda said students across the country must unite to safeguard the education system. Alleging that the education sector had become a “tool of the coaching mafia”, he condemned the police action against protesting students and claimed that female protesters were also manhandled.
Retired professor Latha Mysuru said the agitation against the alleged NEET irregularities resembled “another freedom movement” and called for exposing what she described as the corporate interests that had emerged around the NEET examination system.
AIDSO district secretariat members Chandrika, Hema, Anjali and Nandish, along with more than 150 students, participated in the demonstration.
Published – July 24, 2026 07:07 pm IST
