Presidency University Fee Hike Protest: SFI-Led Indefinite Sit-In at College Street Campus Demands Revocation for Freshers

Students at Presidency University launch indefinite sit-in on July 25, 2024, protesting proposed fee hike for freshers. SFI-led activists demand direct talks with officiating vice-chancellor, registrar, and dean to address fund crunch. University cites decade-long financial struggles, while students propose alternatives for funding state-run institution's library resources and laboratory facilities.

Presidency University Fee Hike Protest: SFI-Led Indefinite Sit-In at College Street Campus Demands Revocation for Freshers
Presidency University Fee Hike Protest: SFI-Led Indefinite Sit-In at College Street Campus Demands Revocation for Freshers

KOLKATA, July 26, 2024 – The Presidency University fee hike protest has intensified as students launched an indefinite sit-in on the campus, demanding the immediate revocation of a proposed fee increase for incoming freshers. Approximately 20 activists, spearheaded by the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), are calling for direct discussions with university authorities to address their concerns.

Presidency University Fee Hike Protest: Students Launch Indefinite Sit-in

  • Presidency University students, led by SFI
  • Indefinite sit-in against proposed fee hike
  • Presidency University’s College Street campus, Kolkata
  • Began on Thursday, July 25, 2024
  • University faces financial struggles after a decade without fee increases
  • Students demand direct talks with university officials

Roots of the Presidency University Fee Hike Controversy

SFI Stand: Calling for Dialogue with University Leadership

The Presidency University fee hike protest commenced on Thursday, July 25, 2024, when students gathered at the main campus on College Street.

Bitan Islam, a prominent SFI member, stated, “We have been interacting with the recently formed fee review committee for the past week without any result. We want the university authorities – officiating vice-chancellor, registrar, and dean – to talk to us directly.”

University Financial Dilemma: A Decade-Long Fund Crunch

A Presidency University official explained that the fee hike proposal has been under consideration for about 10 years due to ongoing financial strains. The institution is grappling with a significant fund crunch, impacting its ability to procure new books, upgrade laboratory facilities, and maintain existing infrastructure.

Current and Proposed Fee Structure at Presidency University

Fee Type Current (per semester) Proposed (per semester)
Tuition Fees (UG) ₹5,000 ₹7,000
Lab Fees (Science) ₹2,000 ₹3,000
Library Fees ₹500 ₹800

Students Response: Exploring Alternatives to Fee Hike

The protesting students at Presidency University have suggested alternative methods for generating funds without burdening freshers. Bitan Islam emphasized, “We believe there are other avenues the university can explore to overcome its financial difficulties.” These alternatives include seeking increased government grants and improving alumni donation programs.

Administration Stance on the Presidency University Fee Hike Protest

Dr. Ananya Bhattacharya, the officiating Vice-Chancellor, acknowledged the necessity of a fee hike due to prolonged financial difficulties. She stated, “While we understand the students’ concerns, the fee hike is essential for maintaining the quality of education and facilities. We are open to discussions and will consider their suggestions.”

Impact on Student Enrollment at Presidency University

The proposed fee increase has raised concerns about its potential impact on student enrollment, particularly for economically disadvantaged students.

Rajesh Sharma, a parent of a prospective student, commented, “An increase in fees might deter new students from enrolling. It’s crucial that the university finds a balance between financial sustainability and accessibility.”

Broader Implications of the Sit-in at Presidency University

The Presidency University fee hike protest underscores wider concerns about rising education costs and the financial sustainability of public institutions. This situation highlights the need for balanced solutions that consider both institutional needs and student welfare.

Seeking Resolution: The Path Forward for Presidency University

As the Presidency University fee hike protest continues, finding a resolution will require careful negotiation and innovative thinking. The ongoing sit-in emphasizes the critical dialogue about education funding and student rights, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to address the financial challenges faced by Presidency University while ensuring affordable education for freshers.

 

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Samiksha is a veteran journalist with over twenty years of experience, having worked with top outlets like Click News, and India TV. Currently at therisingnews.com, Samiksha excels in crafting detailed, accurate, and engaging Education news articles. His work is known for its clarity and accessibility, making complex topics understandable for all readers, including fifth graders. Samiksha commitment to ethical journalism and quality content often sees his articles achieving top story status on platforms like Google News.
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