Pune: Research Scholar Attempts Self-Immolation In Protest Against 50% Scholarship Reduction at BARTI
Pune: Research Scholar Attempts Self-Immolation In Protest Against 50% Scholarship Reduction at BARTI
Pune: On July 25, 2024, a 2022 research scholar belonging to the Scheduled Castes attempted self-immolation in front of the main entrance of the BARTI (Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Research and Training Institute) office in protest against the government’s decision to reduce the scholarship amount to 50% based on the award date. The scholar, who had doused himself in petrol, demanded that 100% scholarships be provided from the date of registration. He chanted slogans like “We do not beg for our rights from anyone” and “Jai Bhim” while attempting to self-immolate.
Since August 5, 2024, an indefinite hunger strike has been underway in front of the BARTI office against the July 25 scholarship decision. Today marks the fourth day of the hunger strike. Starting from August 7, students have unanimously boycotted the verification of scholarship documents and have resolved not to allow any procedures to take place until the decision for 100% scholarships is made.
#Pune : Research Scholar Attempts #selfimmolation In #Protest Against 50% Scholarship Reduction at #BARTIhttps://t.co/iTHBWS6BjS pic.twitter.com/3LH8W85lZH
— Pune Pulse (@pulse_pune) August 9, 2024
In connection with this, the students from the BARTI Research Scholars’ Action Committee blocked the main entrance at 4 PM today and staged a protest. During this protest, the 2022 research scholar attempted to self-immolate by pouring petrol on himself, declaring that 100% scholarships are his right. The scholar, who has been fighting for the scholarship for the past two and a half years, expressed despair over the casteist state government’s refusal to meet the demand and felt that self-immolation was the only option left. He mentioned that he comes from a very poor family and has taken a loan of ₹1.5 lakh from friends and family to fund his Ph.D. research, and his patience for waiting for the scholarship has run out. He added that the government seems to expect suicides like that of Rohith Vemula, shedding tears and remaining silent.
The Action Committee has requested a meeting with the Chief Secretary of the Social Justice Department and has informed Anil Karande, Head of the Scholarship Department, that if no decision is made regarding the meeting by 2 PM tomorrow, many students will attempt similar actions. The scholars’ protest was marked by aggressive chanting, causing a commotion in the BARTI office area.
