Students write to NHRC, demand fee exemption

Tribune News Service
Patiala, July 6

Students of Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) demanding fee exemption on the ground of losses incurred due to Covid-19 pandemic.

In their complaint to the NHRC, they said the decision of the university to collect full semester fees of Rs1.13 lakh by July 10 in one go is ‘cruel, unjust and disproportionate’. They said, “The pandemic has caused huge economic stress on students’ families. Also, a major proportion of fee already paid for the previous semester remain unutilised due to premature closure of campus.” They have also served a legal notice to the university authorities over the issue.

Question collection of late fee

Meanwhile, Punjabi University students questioned collection of late fee by the authorities. Parents also raised the matter with the university authorities. Students associated with Punjabi University Radical Students’ Organisation also raised concern over the matter. Naresh Kumar Vats, Registrar, RGNUL and Rakesh Kumar, in-charge, Finance, Punjabi University, could not be contacted despite repeated attempts.

Rahul Bhandari, Secretary, Higher Education Department, said the matter was under consideration.