UoH students up in arms over fee hike

HYDERABAD: A day after the 67th academic council of the University of Hyderabad proposed a massive hike in the hostel fee for students, Thursday witnessed widespread responses of disappointment among the student community and faculty members as well. The varsity had proposed a hike of about 250 per cent in hostel fee in order to increase mobilisation of internal resources in the wake of UGC’s rejection on further grants for maintenance activities.The students’ union president Prashant and general secretary Sampath condemned the proposed hike in hostel fees and termed it unacceptable.Sampath said, “We will stand for students’ welfare at any cost for which we were elected.” Suresh G, president, Students’ Federation of India said, “It is highly disappointing to see the university transferring the burden of its estimated expenditure on students.” He said a major protest was the last resort since talks are presently on and added “At any cost we would not let students suffer.” Chandraiah, convener, Bahujan Students’ Front, expressed his shock saying a majority of UoH students were from socially and economically backward classes and termed the proposal as ‘anti-student’.He said, “Students from backward classes, who form a majority, would be in no position to bear the proposed hike.” Jithin, a Mphil scholar said, “The massive hike is unjust.” Meanwhile, the dean of students’ welfare Prof Rajshekhar justified the proposal saying, “The university is going through a grave financial crisis.” He assured further discussion on this matter with students.A committee which includes the DSW, chief warden RS Sarraju and students’ representatives would further examine the proposal and arrive at a consensus.He said, “The UoH has 17 hostels and 259 outsourced employees for which the UGC is not ready to pay maintenance and other charges.” The varsity has been left with no option but to increase the hostel fees since it has no affiliated colleges or distance programmes to generate more revenue, he added.“UoH is the only university in the country to provide monthly fellowships to all PG students, which is paid from the university’s own funds,” said Prof Rajshekhar.Extending support to students, a number of professors are also against increase in hostel fees.However, the proposal was not passed in the academic council meeting on Wednesday