Mixed response to Davangere bandh call seeking abolition of 50% payment quota seats in UBDT College of Engineering

Mixed response to Davangere bandh against 50% payment quota seats in UBDT College, aiming to save the oldest government engineering college.

The call for Davangere bandh seeking abolition of 50% payment quota seats in the University BDT (UBDT) College of Engineering and save one of the oldest government engineering colleges in the State, received mixed response on Wednesday.

All India Democratic Student Organisation (AIDSO) launched the campaign against the decision to fill 50% of seats in UBDT College through payment quota starting this academic year.

And, subsequently, under the aegis of UBDT College Ulisi Horata Samiti comprising various pro-Kannada, farmers, labour and Dalit organisations, the call for Davangere bandh on Wednesday was given.

The bandh call, however, received mixed response with shops and commercial establishments remaining closed only in some places, while public transport buses remained off the road for some time.

Members of the samiti took out protest marches early in the morning making an appeal to both KSRTC and private bus operators to support the bandh call which was in the interest of the poor meritorious students of the State. Consequently, KSRTC and private tansport services were not available for the public for some time in the morning.

Responding to the bandh call, shops and commercial establishments at Gandhi Circle, Jayadeva Circle, Vidyarthi Bhavan Circle, Ashok Road, P.B. Road, Hadadi Road and other places remained closed for half a day.

However, business activities went on as usual on AVK College Road, Church Road, Shamanur Road and a few other places. Subsequently, city buses started operating as usual, though the number of commuters was very few. Autorickshaw services were also available as usual.