Some students from the College of Agricultural Sciences protested outside the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad, on Sunday. They said the State government and UAS delayed scholarships for Other Backward Classes (OBC) students. The students demanded immediate release of scholarships and other urgent needs. They raised slogans and handed over a memorandum to university officials asking for quick action. Student association president Sanat Totiger said the university’s financial troubles cause cuts in student facilities. “Our hostels are in deplorable condition, with no proper drinking water, no hot water for bathing, and poorly maintained washrooms,” he said. He added this causes major problems for both boys and girls. Despite repeated complaints, university officials have not fixed these issues. Totiger said many students selected for national-level athletics and yoga events face trouble as the university cannot pay their travel and daily allowances. He stated that scholarships for OBC and minority students have not been paid for two years. “The State government launched a unified scholarship portal and assigned three departments to handle payments, but the scholarships remain unpaid,” he said. Earlier, OBC and minority students got scholarships up to ₹38,000 covering 50% of college fees. Meanwhile, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes students received 90% scholarships plus fee waivers. SC/ST students continue to get their scholarships, but OBC and minority students have been left out. “That is not all. The State government reduced scholarship amounts to ₹15,000 last year, even as college and hostel fees rose to ₹1.25 lakh,” Totiger said. He claimed UAS officials blame non-release of nearly ₹50 crore by the Congress government over two years for the inability to maintain or improve infrastructure. Totiger also pointed out delays in hiring staff. “The university has only 82 permanent teachers, and about 20 will retire in March. No new appointments are planned. This will hurt academic quality for 2,000 students in 28 departments,” he warned. The students threatened more intense protests if their demands are ignored.