Significant increase in Fees at different Departments of Panjab University Raises Concerns Among Students and Faculty
Panjab University NRI students were shocked recently when they received the notice for payment of the fee for the next semester. Initially, the university administration had announced a moderate hike of 5-6% across all departments. However, when the final fee notices were issued, it became apparent that the hike had escalated by around 15-16% in some departments, particularly for NRI (Non-Resident Indian) students.
In the Pharmaceutical Department, the fee for NRI students has witnessed a major hike. Earlier, the fee was $4295 and suddenly it has been raised to $5000 for the upcoming session (2023-24) even for existing students. This unexpected surge, combined with the short notice given to students, has sparked concerns among the university community as approximately there is an increase of $700.
Moreover, the last date to submit the fee is 10th July. The sudden fee hike announcement has left students with a very limited time to adjust their finances and this has only exacerbated the situation. Many students are now grappling with the financial strain, unsure if they can afford the increased fees.
When students and faculty sought clarification regarding the source of the fee notice and the reasoning behind the significant increase, the administration assured them that the matter would be looked into, but no concrete explanation was provided.
Even some of the Department administrations are shocked to see such a major hike in the fee. Based on anonymity, a senior official stated that even they have no information regarding this huge amount of fee has been increased. They had just received the notice from the higher administration which shocked them too.
PU Pulse urges administration and student parties to look into this matter and quickly come to a solution so that NRI students can stop being stressed out.
Report by Ojashwita Sharma
Graphics by Devika Mandaar
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