Udupi college incident: Sharan Pumpwell, another VHP leader booked for provocative speech
Udupi: The local police in Udupi have taken action against two members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) for allegedly making provocative speeches during a protest held by the VHP and Bajrang Dal Udupi district unit. The protest aimed to demand a comprehensive investigation into a recent case involving a video of a paramedical college student in Udupi.
The VHP State Joint Secretary, Sharan Pumpwell, and VHP member, Dinesh Mendon, have been booked under a suo-moto case by the police. During the protest, which took place at the parking area near the Rajangana auditorium of Sri Krishna Mutt, Sharan Pumpwell reportedly made provocative remarks, stating, "As protectors of Hinduism, we will give an appropriate reply to the jihadi monsters. Such attacks must end right now. Hindu mothers should wake up and move from handling vessels and brooms to handling weapons to reply to the injustice." He also urged the gathering to remain vigilant against trouble-makers and respond to them fittingly.
Similarly, VHP Udupi District Secretary Dinesh Mendon, who delivered the introductory speech, has also been accused of making provocative statements during the protest.
Following these incidents, and in compliance with the directives of the Supreme Court, a case has been registered against Sharan Pumpwell and Dinesh Mendon at the Udupi Town Police Station based on a complaint filed by a local officer on duty. The police are conducting an investigation into the matter.
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Karnataka Minister writes to Centre seeking NRI quota in government medical colleges
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has made a formal request to the Centre, seeking approval to create additional supernumerary MBBS seats in government autonomous medical colleges from the academic year 2025-26. This move aims to introduce an NRI quota in medical colleges, enhancing financial inflow and educational quality.
Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil stated that he has written to the Chairman of the National Medical Commission (NMC), requesting the creation of 508 supernumerary MBBS seats across 22 government medical colleges in Karnataka. This would account for a 15% NRI quota, as highlighted in the state's proposal.
Patil supported the move by referencing UGC guidelines and the National Education Policy 2020, which underscore the importance of international student intake for global outreach. Examples from states like Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab were cited, where NRI quotas in government medical colleges already exist.
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Despite budgetary allocations and other revenue streams, autonomous medical institutions in Karnataka suffer from funding shortages. Patil argued that additional funds are key to transforming these centers into institutions of excellence. These funds would go toward improving infrastructure, faculty strength, research, and overall quality of education.
The minister pointed out that creating an NRI quota within the current annual intake of seats is impractical, as it could reduce opportunities for underprivileged students and provoke protests. Instead, a proposed annual fee of Rs 25 lakh per NRI student could generate substantial revenue.
Patil expressed confidence that the Centre would approve the state's request, enabling the introduction of a 15% NRI quota in government medical colleges from 2025-26 onward.
