Following an outcry from students, the Anna University’s planned increase in exam fees for engineering students has been put on hold. The university had announced a 50% increase in fees, a move that would have significantly impacted students, especially those from rural areas and lower-income backgrounds.
The fee hike had been proposed to address the university’s growing financial strain. Since the last fee increase in 2014, the cost of materials and other expenses had skyrocketed. The university also cited a decline in revenue due to the rise of autonomous colleges.
However, the proposed fee hike sparked protests from students who argued that the financial burden would be too heavy. In response to student concerns, the higher education minister, K Ponmudy, announced that the fee hike would be indefinitely suspended.
The minister also announced plans to address the issue of varying exam fees across affiliated and autonomous colleges. He stated that the fees should be standardized across all institutions, and a circular outlining this policy would be issued to all colleges.
The university had faced criticism in the past for its handling of faculty member duplication at engineering colleges. The minister confirmed that a three-member committee is investigating the issue and that any institution found to have engaged in wrongdoing will face consequences.
The decision to halt the fee hike highlights the importance of student voice in educational policy. It also underscores the need for universities to find sustainable solutions that balance financial needs with student accessibility.
