University students intensify protest

Kochi: Students of Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit (SSUS), Kalady, have further intensified their protest as the meetings between the university administration and students' union failed to reach a consensus. Students are currently holding day and night protests to ensure their voices are heard by the university administration as the strike entered its 24th day on Sunday.
Major demands put forth by students include extending university research fellowship to fourth year and ensuring it is provided without any arrears, withdrawing research fee hike, including hike in submission fees, as well as ensuring adequate classroom and hostel facilities for students on the campus.
According to students, university officials cited a lack of funds to make the amendments. Students decided to approach higher education minister as well as finance minister to find a solution to the crisis. Protest on the campus is jointly held by left-leaning student outfits Students Federation of India (SFI) and All Kerala Research Students Association.
Meanwhile, despite suspension of classes, students have resorted to creative ways of protest to continue their learning. They are conducting film screenings and theatre performances. Research scholars of the institution are also holding academic lectures for younger students based on their syllabus on the campus as part of the protest.
Meanwhile, students are hopeful that a syndicate meeting to be held on Wednesday is likely to discuss the demands and provide a solution.