Jamia may hike fees by 20% across courses, teachers oppose it

New Delhi: Jamia Millia Islamia, which has just won the Visitor's Award for research, may increase its fees by as much as 20% across courses. "We were first told the increase was only in the professional courses, then the self-financed courses-there are many in Jamia-and now we're being told it'll be across courses," says a clearly upset faculty member.

The rationale for the increase, as per the minutes of a January 28 Committee of Studies meeting obtained by TOI, is that "as an austerity measure there shall be a cut in the grant provided by UGC ( University Grants Commission) to the universities, hence the university has to manage its funds position by enhancing fee".

Jamia administration admits that a fee increase has been proposed but maintains that no final decision has been taken yet. "The matter is under consideration and the quantum of increase hasn't been decided yet. It is still under deliberation," says spokesperson Mukesh Ranjan. The increase is being considered "in view of improving support services-health care and library services, for instance-for the student community". "UGC is asking universities to improve services," Ranjan informs.