JNU students protest fee hike plan

JNUSU leaders said the circular issued on September 12 — “Expenditure Management: Economy Measures and Rationalisation of Expenditure” — is detrimental to higher education. “In the name of austerity,universities are being asked to undertake a 10-per cent cut in non-plan expenditure,” JNUSU president Sandeep Singh said. “In addition,the University Grants Commission is now seeking a 55 per cent cut in non-plan expenditure.”

JNUSU vice-president Shephalika Shekhar said,“Hikes in tuition and hostel fees,charges for electricity and water etc will mean JNU will become unaffordable for most students presently studying there.”

The students also submitted a memorandum to the ministry demanding withdrawal of the circular.