Students, faculty protest decision to relocate Sardar’s women’s college

Belagavi: The state government's decision to shift Sardar's government women’s college from Belagavi to Sankeshwar had drawn much flak from students and faculty. The student community has initiated a movement which they say will continue until the government changes its decision.
The college was launched in 2014-15 and although it lacks several basic amenities — it does not even have a building of its own — several students enrolled. About 517 girls had enrolled in arts and commerce degree courses over the past three years.

Students say that the present location of college is ideal since it is in the heart of district headquarters. The strength of students has risen year after year. But due to political pressure, the government had planned relocate the college in Sankeshwar.

When students learnt of this decision, they began protesting. They recently staged a strike in front of the deputy commissioner's office. Now, they have started a 'Save government women’s college' drive on social media. It has been trending for the past week.

Girish Badiger, ABVP activist, said the college has benefitted the poor and rural girl students. “Instead of changing the location, the government should start another women’s college at Sankeshwar as per the demand,” Badiger said.

Ziaullah S, deputy commissioner, said, “The principal of the college has requested us not to relocate the college to Sankeshwar. We too have realized that it will be beneficial to students if the college continues to function in Belagavi only. I have written to the government asking that the college continue operations in Belagavi.”