Students call CUTN's decision to collect fees for student amenities, examinations unfair. Here's why

Towards the middle of September, the students of the Central University of Tamil Nadu had written to its Vice-Chancellor, asking him to waive the Student Welfare Fees and Student Amenities Fees for its odd semester, which will most likely be held online. They had also sought the extension of the deadline to pay the fees from October 10 to November 30.

Even though the Vice-Chancellor Dr R Karpaga Kumaravel had extended the deadline, no decision was taken regarding the fee waiver. Now, as they approach the deadline, the students are raising their voices, demanding a fee waiver and prompt action. "These decisions (regarding fees) were taken by the statutory bodies following the fees structure of other universities. As I took charge only recently, I will represent your grievance in the appropriate bodies and inform you," Kumaravel's email reads. However, the students say that there hasn't been any communication from him.

"We had sent him a reminder email too. But the university is yet to respond," says a student. "Considering that the semester will be held online, these fees are adding to our woes," he says. A notification issued by the UGC in view of the pandemic reads, "in view of the prevailing extraordinary difficult circumstances, universities and colleges may consider the matter regarding payment of annual/semester fee, tuition fee, examination fee, etc. sympathetically and if feasible, may consider offering alternative payment options to students till the situation returns to normal."

The students have also called the university administration's decision of collecting the semester examination fee, unfair. "The university had collected the exam fee in the previous semester. However, the exams were not conducted and we were evaluated based on our previous performance. In that case, they can carry over the last semester's fee," says the student.

We have written to the university seeking its comment on this issue. This copy will be updated once they respond.