Muslim Students Federation begins stir against fee hike

KOZHIKODE: Activists under the Muslim Students Federation began their statewide protest against the fee hike in medical education. The activists took out protest marches towards collectorates in five districts - Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram and Palakkad. On Tuesday, the protests will be held in Kasargod, Thrissur, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Kollam. They alleged that while the fee was around Rs 1.75 lakh per year during the tenure of the last UDF government, the current LDF government first raised it to Rs 2.25 lakh and now to Rs 5.5 lakh, in the name of unified fee.

The activists also alleged that the government lost its significance as it did not oppose any of the suggestions of the fee regulatory committee. MSF state general secretary Navas MP said that the government was trying to alienate the poor students who aspired to get into the medical profession. They also added that the protests would be intensified if the government failed to withdraw the fee hike. The march in Malappuram was inaugurated by national president TP Ashrafali, while the protest in Kozhikode was inaugurated by state president Mishab Keezhariyur. In Kannur, Faisal Cherukunnel and in Palakkad, KKA Azees led the marches.