The All India Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has written to the Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, calling for an immediate reversal of the recent fee increase at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in Uttar Pradesh. The association warned that the hike could prevent many students from underprivileged backgrounds from accessing higher education.
Nasir Khehami, national convenor of the association, stated that students have been opposing what they consider an unfair and exclusionary fee rise of between 36 and 42 per cent imposed by the university administration. He noted that for this academic year, fees for certain courses have risen by around 30 to 40 per cent. For example, the fee for the B.Lib course has increased from ₹16,000 last year to more than ₹22,000.
According to AMU Proctor Wasim Ali, the fee hike ranges from ₹500 to ₹1,500 across different courses, primarily to fund infrastructure improvements. He added that the decision was reached collectively by various university committees.
However, the association highlighted that this explanation does not reduce the financial pressure on students, many of whom come from socially disadvantaged backgrounds and economically weaker sections, and are already struggling to cover daily expenses such as meals.
AMU spokesman Omar Peerzada said the university is actively addressing concerns raised by current students regarding the fee increase. The university has circulated a proforma through social media, inviting continuing students to submit suggestions on the matter.
Prof M. Asmer Beg, convener of the committee established to examine the fee hike, has also requested that bona fide students provide their feedback by filling out the proforma with their demands.
The association further urged the government to investigate the reported assault and excessive force used against protestors at Bab-e-Syed Gate on Friday, when peaceful demonstrators were allegedly removed by force.
Since there has been no elected student union at AMU for the past seven years, the association accused university authorities of suppressing peaceful protests. They also highlighted the lack of accountability and transparency, as well as a communication gap on campus due to the absence of democratic bodies.
The association also called on the Education Minister to review the poor conditions in several AMU hostels, where thousands of students live in overcrowded accommodation with inadequate sanitation and hygiene.
Meanwhile, student protests at AMU have continued for the fifth day, with large numbers boycotting classes. They demand the rollback of the fee increase, the conduct of overdue student union elections, which have not been held for eight years, and the removal of senior university officials whom they hold responsible for the current situation.
