Delhi University has stirred controversy by increasing its annual charges by 46 percent to Rs 2,350 across diverse categories. This move has sparked allegations from several teachers who claim it is an attempt to use students’ funds to repay Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA) loans.
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DU Registrar Vikas Gupta refuted these allegations, stating, ”The fee hike has nothing to do with HEFA loan, and the university has enough funds to pay the interest.” HEFA had approved a loan corpus of Rs 930 crore, as confirmed by Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh in October.
DOUBLE CHARGES FOR UNIVERSITY FACILITIES
In an official circular on June 7, DU announced doubled charges for university facilities and services, reaching Rs 1,000 for the academic year 2023-24. Additionally, charges for students’ welfare funds were increased to Rs 200, and development funds rose by over 10 percent to Rs 1,000 from Rs 900 last June.
Annual charges for economically weaker sections support university funds were also revised to Rs 150 for the new academic year. This marks the second hike in a year, following the increase in July 2022, reportedly the first in 13 years.
Teachers and academic council members allege that DU is raising fees to repay HEFA loan interest, jeopardising the affordability of education. The proposed ‘Strategic Plan 2022-2047’ to enhance DU’s global ranking has faced criticism, with teachers expressing concerns that funds required for infrastructure will lead to fee hikes through private funding.
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The Left-affiliated Democratic Teachers’ Front has demanded the withdrawal of the ‘Strategic Plan 2022-2047,’ claiming its content is ”plagiarised.” The Academic Council is set to meet on December 6 to finalise key proposals discussed on November 30.
