PU students oppose proposed increase in the price of prospectus and forms

Punjab University’s decision to hike cost for college forms and prospectus has aroused resentment from the student community who have termed the move as “absolutely uncalled-for”. Various student bodies maintained they will not allow the authorities to increase the fee at any cost.

INSO leader Sukhdev Kundu said the proposal to hike the cost of the prospectus for various departments is an issue of concern especially for aspirants hailing from rural and backward parts of the country. “A hike of nearly Rs 200 for the prospectus of the Common Entrance Test (CET) is not acceptable. Education should not be made out of reach of bright students,” he said. Kundu added this would be a major blow for the students who have limited resources to carry on higher studies.

If the proposed fee hike for the forms is approved in the Syndicate meeting scheduled for January 25,students will have to shell out Rs 300 more for various forms on an average. Students would have to pay Rs 1,700 for the O-CET prospectus and Rs 1,800 for other forms as compared to last year’s Rs 1,500. Students maintain that it is a serious matter for candidates who have to apply to 2-3 departments to ensure admission in one of them. They suggest a provision be made to refund the price of the prospectus of the department in which they don’t secure admission.