Varanasi Students Begin Indefinite Hunger Strike

Varanasi: Students in Varanasi have launched an indefinite hunger strike demanding the rollback of recent University Grants Commission (UGC) policies, which they claim threaten their academic future. The protest, which entered its 24th hour on Wednesday, has intensified pressure on authorities as students remain firm on their demands despite growing health concerns.

The anshan is being held with placards and slogans highlighting issues of academic pressure, uncertainty, and alleged exclusion under the new UGC norms. Protesters say the policies were introduced without adequate consultation with students and stakeholders, leading to widespread dissatisfaction across campuses.

According to student representatives, the new regulations disproportionately affect students from marginal backgrounds and could undermine equality within the higher education system. “This is not just a protest, it is a fight for our rights, education, and future,” said one of the students participating in the hunger strike.

Despite fatigue and the physical toll of a prolonged fast, the protesting students have refused to call off the anshan. They have appealed to the UGC and the central government to engage in dialogue and reconsider the decisions before the situation worsens.

The protest has remained peaceful so far, but student leaders warned that the movement could expand if their concerns continue to be ignored. With the hunger strike crossing the 24-hour mark, the message from the students is clear — they will not back down until the UGC rollback demand is addressed.

The developments in Varanasi reflect a broader sense of unrest among students nationwide over changes in higher education policies, raising questions about consultation, transparency, and inclusivity in decision-making.