Students from the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), Progressive Democratic Students’ Union (PDSU), and Andhra Pradesh Joint Action Committee (AP JAC) staged protests across Prakasam district on Thursday. All colleges were shut as part of a bandh, with a rally starting from Nellore bus stand to the collectorate in Ongole. The protestors demanded the establishment of a public sector medical college in Markapuram, allocation of funds for the district university and IIIT, construction of welfare hostels and government schools, and solutions for problems faced by students from kindergarten to postgraduate levels. Student unions have been actively protesting through cycle yatra, dharna, and 'Chalo Vijayawada' programs. SFI Prakasam district leader Ch. Vinod said, "Despite discussions with the Education Minister, the problems faced by the students have not been resolved. A bandh has been called for educational institutions across the district to protest against the government’s neglect on the education sector in the state." Other protest participants included SFI district secretary Veeraswamy, AP JAC state president Jagadish, and PDSU state vice president L Rajasekhar.