more-in The last day for payment of examination fee has been extended by Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU). Several students from Madurai Kamaraj University College and affiliated institutions from Madurai, Dindigul, Virudhunagar and Theni districts boycotted classes on Monday in protest against the recent increase in examination fee. O. Ravi, Controller of Examination, MKU, said members of the Convener’s Committee and the Syndicate, who held talks with the students, extended the last day for payment of examination fee from October 3 to October 10 (without fine) and October 15 (with penalty). Arrangements were being made to inform students in all colleges. V. Mariappan, State secretary, Students’ Federation of India (SFI), said the meeting ended with the committee promising to consider reduction of fee from ?110 to ?100 per paper for first-year students in all affiliated non-autonomous colleges. “The university is telling us that the reason for the steep increase in fee is due to hike in price of stationery and printing. However, the hike cannot be as steep as ?32,” he contended. The fee was initially revised from ?65 to ?78 per pa per for all students. However, a recent notification stated that the fee would be increased from ?78 to ?110 per paper for first-year students alone. “Students from 98 affiliated colleges have not received their bus passes for four months. Although students in second and third year can show their old passes and claim their rides, first-year students travelling from their village to college everyday do not have the same luxury. It is burning a hole in their pocket,” Mr. Mariappan said. He also petitioned the Convener’s Committee, seeking the presence of a Vice-Chancellor to ensure democratisation of the institution. The SFI leader claimed that M. Phil students from the university had not received scholarships for two years now and convocation certificates were yet to reach the homes of students who had completed their degrees. “The committee has promised to take a look into the matter and resolve the problems at the earliest. This includes holding of student union elections. We will continue to protest if our demands are not satisfied,” he added. The Controller of Examinations said decisions involving elections and fee hike could be made official only when the Syndicate meeting of all 13 members took place. “Resolutions regarding the fee hike will be deferred until the meeting of the committee,” Mr. Ravi said.

Stay updated with all the Latest Madurai headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.