CUK Vice Chancellor Defends Fee Structure Amid Student Protests, Emphasizes Inclusive Education and Support Mechanisms

Speaking with Shiksha.com, Prof. A Ravinder Nath has outlined the university's fee structure and the various waivers available to students.

In response to the recent student protests at Central University of Kashmir (CUK), Vice Chancellor Prof. A Ravinder Nath has outlined the university's fee structure and the various waivers available to students. Last week, students staged a demonstration demanding a rollback of the fee hike and improvements in campus facilities.

The protests saw students holding placards with messages like “Fee Hike, Roll Back” and “Education is a Right, Not a Privilege.” They highlighted issues such as inadequate hostel accommodations and insufficient campus amenities, including clean drinking water and functional washrooms. The protest resulted in the suspension of classes at the Tulmulla campus, with students blocking the campus gates.

Addressing these concerns, Prof. Nath provided a detailed breakdown of the university's fee structure and the inclusive education policies in place, as guided by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He emphasized that the university offers a credit-based fee structure, allowing flexibility in fee payments based on the credits students choose to take. This model aims to provide affordable education while maintaining academic quality.

Key Points from the Vice Chancellor’s Address:

Inclusive Education Policy: The fee structure at CUK is designed to align with NEP-2020, providing access to diverse learners. Students can earn credits through regular and non-formal modes, including SWAYAM and SWAYAM Plus, and transfer credits under the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC).

Variable Tuition Fee: The tuition fee varies based on the domain of study, with additional provisions for fee waivers under need-based, merit-based, and combined criteria. For example, the tuition fee for General Arts & Social Sciences is INR 200 per credit, while for Technical Engineering & Technology it is INR 1000 per credit.

Student Aid Fund (SAF): The university has created a SAF to offer fee waivers for students from socio-economically disadvantaged groups (SEDG), need-based, and merit-based categories. Up to 40% of the tuition fee can be waived for students taking courses through online platforms like SWAYAM.

‘Earn While You Learn’ Scheme: Students have the opportunity to work on campus through initiatives like Uchtha Shiksha Abhiyan and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, earning INR 100 per hour for 10 hours per week.

Scholarship Funds and Loans: CUK is exploring the creation of scholarship funds with the help of alumni and philanthropists. Additionally, educational loans under the Vidya Lakshmi Scheme are facilitated to support students financially.

Prof. Nath assured that the university is committed to providing a conducive learning environment and will continue to address the infrastructural issues raised by the students. He reiterated that the fee hike is part of a planned structure to enhance the quality of education and facilities at CUK, ensuring the sustainable progress of the institution.

The Vice Chancellor’s address aims to clarify the rationale behind the fee structure and highlight the support mechanisms in place for students. As the university moves forward, it remains focused on balancing affordability with the provision of quality education and necessary amenities.

CUK VC added that for more information, students and stakeholders are encouraged to visit the university’s official website or contact the administrative office directly.