Vidya Parirakshana Cycle Yatra highlights students’ issues in Prakasam

The Vidya Parirakshana Cycle Yatra, led by student leaders, concluded after covering 380 kilometres across Prakasam district. As part of the programme, a bicycle rally was held from St. JVS School to Ranga Bhavan in Ongole on Thursday.

Former leaders of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and Students’ Federation of India (SFI) welcomed the rally, while SFI district secretary Bandi Veeraswamy presided over the closing ceremony. SFI State leader Ch. Vinod said the yatra, held from August 28 to September 4, aimed to draw attention to students’ issues, including the non-release of fee reimbursement arrears and other unfulfilled promises made during elections.

The yatra also visited villages where poor students have been denied primary education under the new National Education Policy. High mess charges, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient staff have put welfare hostels in crisis. “If this trend continues, hostels may close within five years. It is surprising that the Education Minister, who had promised reimbursement for postgraduate students upon taking office, has remained silent,” Mr. Vinod said. He added, “Although the Union government has identified Prakasam as a backward district, authorities remain negligent in developing the education sector.” He urged students to participate in the ‘Chalo Vijayawada’ programme on Saturday, September 6.