A student protest against a fee hike at a government-run college in Rajasthan’s Barmer district has sparked controversy after District Collector Tina Dabi was targeted during the demonstration. The incident occurred when students of Maharana Bhupal Girls College staged a sit-in demanding the rollback of an increase in examination fees and sought a meeting with the district administration.
According to reports, the students gathered on the college premises to voice their opposition to the revised fee structure, stating that the hike placed an additional financial burden on them. During the protest, students repeatedly called for District Collector Tina Dabi to meet them and hear their grievances. Video footage from the demonstration later surfaced on social media, showing some students referring to the collector as a “reel star,” a remark that quickly drew public attention.
The phrase appeared to reference the collector’s strong social media presence and public visibility. However, the focus of the protest remained centered on the fee hike and the students’ demand for administrative intervention. Protesters maintained that they had attempted to raise their concerns through official channels but had not received a satisfactory response, prompting them to organise the sit-in.
Students alleged that the increase in examination fees was implemented without adequate consultation and affected a large number of learners, particularly those from economically weaker backgrounds. They urged the district administration to reconsider the decision and engage in direct dialogue to resolve the issue.
The protest was reported to be peaceful, with no incidents of violence or damage to property. College authorities and local officials monitored the situation as students continued their demonstration. There was no immediate official response from the district administration regarding the remarks made during the protest or the demand for a meeting at the time of the incident.
Tina Dabi, a senior Indian Administrative Service officer, has previously been in the public spotlight for her administrative work and online presence. While her name became part of the protest narrative, officials emphasised that the primary issue was related to student concerns over education costs.
Education experts note that fee hikes at public institutions often trigger protests, especially in districts where many students rely on subsidised education. They stress the importance of transparent communication between authorities and students to address such issues before they escalate.
The Barmer district administration is expected to review the matter and engage with stakeholders to find a resolution. Meanwhile, the incident has reignited discussion on the role of administrators, student engagement, and the impact of rising education-related expenses on young learners.
