Barmer, Rajasthan – A simple protest by girl students over rising college exam fees turned into a big row in Barmer district when some protesters called District Collector Tina Dabi a “reel star“. The students said she was more active on social media than solving local problems. This happened on December 20, 2025, outside a girls college in the city.
The protest was at Maharana Bhupal College (also known as MBC Girls College or Multanmal Bhikhchand Chhajed Women’s College) in Barmer. Students, many supported by leaders from Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), were angry about a big jump in examination fees. They said the fees had gone up too much, making it hard for poor families to afford higher education for their daughters.
What Started the Protest?
Students gathered at the college gate and sat in protest. They raised slogans against the fee increase and blocked the road for some time. They wanted the fees to be rolled back. Officials from the district, including the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), came to talk to them. The SDM and others assured that their complaint would go to the university authorities.
During the talks, an official or teacher reportedly told the students that Tina Dabi was a role model for them. She is the 2015 UPSC topper and a popular IAS officer. But some students disagreed. One leader said, “Tina Dabi is not our role model. Our role models are Ahilyabai Holkar and Rani Durgavati,” referring to brave historical women rulers. They added that Dabi was more like a “reel star” because of her frequent posts and videos on social media about cleanliness drives and other work.
Students later explained that they meant the collector was busy making reels but not coming to hear their problems, like garbage piles and bad roads near the college.
Police Action and Sit-In
After the protest ended, police took two student leaders, linked to ABVP, to Kotwali police station. Students claimed this was because of the “reel star” remark. They said if it was about blocking the road, why were the leaders not stopped earlier?
Soon, many girl students marched to the police station and started a sit-in inside. They demanded the immediate release of their leaders. The atmosphere got tense.
Barmer Superintendent of Police Narendra Singh came to the station. He told the students, “We made a mistake, we accept it.” He asked them to calm down and promised to release the leaders. Soon after, the two were let go without any case or charges.
Tina Dabi’s Response
District Collector Tina Dabi spoke to reporters over the phone. She said the detention was just a normal step to keep law and order. There was some misbehaviour during the protest, she added. Dabi also clarified that the fee issue was with Jodhpur University (also called Jai Narain Vyas University), not the district administration. The university vice-chancellor had already assured the students that the hike would be looked into or rolled back. But the protesters still wanted to meet her.
Dabi called the whole row a “non-issue” blown up for social media attention.
Students’ Side of the Story
One student, Hina Khatri, who joined the sit-in, said the “reel star” comment was not meant to insult. “The collector is often seen in campaigns and reels, but local issues like garbage near our college are ignored,” she said. Another student added that they look up to women like Ahilyabai Holkar, who ruled wisely and cared for people.
ABVP also issued a statement. They called the detention wrong and said it hurts democracy. “Arresting students for speaking their mind is not right,” the group said.
Why the Fee Hike Anger?
The exact hike amount is not fully clear yet, but students said exam fees had become much higher, almost double or more in some cases. This hits girls from rural and poor families the hardest in a district like Barmer, where education opportunities are already limited. Many parents struggle to pay even basic fees.
The college is affiliated with Jodhpur University, so the fee decision comes from there. Officials promised to forward the demand for rollback.
Social Media Reaction
Videos of the protest and the “reel star” remark went viral quickly. Many people supported the students, saying officers should focus more on real work than reels. Others said the remark was rude to a hardworking IAS officer. Tina Dabi is known for her active style – surprise checks, cleanliness drives, and posting updates online.
Some posts praised Dabi for her achievements, like topping UPSC at a young age. Others questioned if police acted too harshly on young girls.
What Happened Next?
By evening, everything calmed down. Leaders were released, SP apologised, and students ended the sit-in. No one was charged. The fee issue is now with the university for review.
This incident shows how small comments can spark big debates, especially when social media is involved. It also highlights ongoing worries about rising education costs in Rajasthan and how students voice their concerns.
Broader Picture in Rajasthan Education
Rajasthan has seen several student protests over fees in recent years. Universities sometimes raise charges to cover costs, but it affects many families. Girls’ education is a big focus in the state, with schemes to encourage it. Events like this bring attention to the need for affordable higher education.
Tina Dabi continues her work in Barmer, focusing on development like water conservation and cleanliness, for which the district has won national awards.
The matter seems resolved for now, but it has started talks about freedom of speech for students and the role of social media in government work.
FAQs About the Barmer Student Protest and Tina Dabi Controversy
What was the protest about?
The girls from Maharana Bhupal College in Barmer were protesting against a big increase in university examination fees. They said it had become too costly for many families. The protest was peaceful at first, with sit-in and slogans.
Why did students call Tina Dabi a ‘reel star’?
During talks, an official called Tina Dabi a role model. Students replied that their real role models are historical figures like Ahilyabai Holkar and Rani Durgavati. They said Dabi is more of a “reel star” because she often posts videos of her work on social media, but did not come to meet them or solve local issues like garbage and potholes.
Were students arrested?
Two student leaders linked to ABVP were taken to the police station briefly. Students called it detention or arrest. Police said it was to maintain order after road blockage and some misbehaviour. They were released the same day without any case after the SP apologised and called it a mistake.
What did Tina Dabi say?
Tina Dabi said the fee matter is with the university, not her office. The vice-chancellor had assured a review. She called the detention a routine step for law and order. She dismissed the row as unnecessary hype.
What did the police SP say?
Barmer SP Narendra Singh went to the station, accepted it was a policing error, and said “We made a mistake.” This helped calm the students and led to quick release.
Is the fee hike rolled back?
University officials assured students it would be looked into. As of December 23, 2025, no final decision is out, but promises were made to address it.
Who is Tina Dabi?
Tina Dabi is a 2015 UPSC topper (All India Rank 1). She is an IAS officer of Rajasthan cadre, currently District Collector of Barmer. She is known for active fieldwork, social media updates, and initiatives like water conservation.
Was this protest political?
ABVP, a student wing linked to BJP, supported it. Some reports called it political because of the remark on a popular officer. But the main issue was fees affecting common students.