SPPU proposes to defer fee hike amid pandemic

Final decision to be taken at mgmt council meeting

After a meeting held by the academic council on Saturday, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) revisited its fee-hike decision announced by the varsity earlier for the academic year 2020-21. After much deliberation, in March this year, SPPU had pushed for a revision of the fee structure for all its courses after eight years.

Talking about the development, NS Umarani, pro-vice chancellor, SPPU, said, “The decision to hike fee was taken after eight long years. However, the present situation is hugely different from what it was when we had favoured the increase in fee. Now we have to think of means to help students to continue their education even in the coming year. Thanks to the pandemic crisis and the resultant economic slump, there is a possibility of students taking up small-time jobs after Class XII instead of enrolling for undergraduate courses to support their families. In light of the present situation, we have proposed against implementing fee hike this year at the academic council meeting.”

The proposed surge would have increased each course fee by at least 20 per cent.

The fee hike was announced for all graduate, postgraduate, MPhil and PhD courses at varsities and colleges affiliated to SPPU.

At academic council meeting, all the members backed the decision to defer the fee hike. The matter will be taken up again next year.

The fee hike was supported by senate members of the varsity before, arguing that it was not increased for the past eight years and claiming that colleges were struggling to pay staff salaries. Final decision on the matter will be taken in the management council meeting scheduled this week.

Satish Gore, a students’ union representative, feels, “The decision taken by the varsity to defer the fee hike is a good move. SPPU should also consider about the examination form. There are multiple complaints about students being charged for the examination forms. The economic downturn caused by the virus scare will put students and their parents in financial stress. Therefore, fees should not be hiked in the next academic year.”