SFI three-day State-level conference in Kalaburagi from October 30

The Students’ Federation of India (SFI), Karnataka, will organise its three-day State conference in Kalaburagi from October 30 to November 1, focusing on strengthening public education, ensuring democratic student elections, promoting communal harmony and securing the effective implementation of Article 371(J) of the Constitution.

Addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi on Friday, SFI State president Shivappa Amblikal and the conference’s honorary president R.K. Hudgi alleged that the education system was increasingly being privatised and commercialised, while communal polarisation was affecting educational institutions and undermining social harmony. They said the organisation aimed to mobilise students through academic engagement and democratic struggles, while fostering scientific temper, leadership and social awareness.

SFI national joint secretary Aishe Ghosh will inaugurate the conference, while actor Kishore will be the chief guest. The conference will deliberate on four major issues.

The first is strengthening public education. Mr. Amblikal alleged that the State government had failed to adequately address teacher vacancies in government schools and colleges. He also expressed concern that the establishment of Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) could weaken village schools and make quality education less accessible to economically disadvantaged students.

The second demand is for democratic student union elections. While welcoming the government’s move to initiate student elections in some colleges, Mr. Amblikal objected to the alleged exclusion of student organisations from the process. He said elections conducted without the participation of student unions would undermine democratic representation on campuses.

Promoting communal harmony among students and youth will be the third subject of discussion during the conference. He alleged that attempts to create divisions along religious and caste lines were affecting educational institutions. Referring to the hijab controversy, he said the SFI had consistently opposed developments that created a divisive atmosphere on campuses.

Prof. Hudgi said the fourth major demand would be the effective implementation of Article 371(J), which provides special provisions for the development of the Kalyana Karnataka region. He alleged that inadequate utilisation of funds, insufficient employment opportunities and shortcomings in the implementation of reservation provisions were hindering the region’s development. He called for increased allocations for education and effective implementation of Article 371(J) to improve opportunities for students and young people.

The conference will discuss these issues and formulate demands to be submitted to the State government, the leaders said.