Bengaluru: Students of Bangalore University staged a protest during its 53rd annual convocation for not getting medals.

Around hundred toppers, who were looking forward to graduating with honours, were angry on being told that, instead of gold medals, they would be awarded cash prizes and certificates, which many threatened to return.

Monisha V., a student of MES Degree College was supposed to get one gold medal, but was given a cash prize of Rs. 500.

Officials said that colleges had been informed of this development, but students said they had not been intimated.

Sujith C. from Sheshadripuram College was initially told that he would receive gold a medal, only to learn later that he would not be awarded one.

Officials cited paucity of funds as the reason. V. Sudesh, in-charge Vice Chancellor of BU, said that the syndicate had decided to withdraw some gold medals in cases where the amount given by the donor was less. In cases where the donor funds were slightly higher, the university contributed towards the cost of the medals.

Students were also irked by the fact that had been given certificates in which the words ‘gold medal’ had been scratched out. As if it is not enough, the certificates did not mention their achievements.

The Bangalore University authorities said that the certificates would be rectified and their achievements would be mentioned.