Srinagar, Aug 28 (JKNS): Students of Government Degree College for Women, Nawa Kadal, on Thursday voiced strong resentment at Kashmir University over what they termed an “unjustified” hike in admission and examination fees for the 5th and 6th semesters of BBA, B.Com, B.A, B.Sc, and BCA courses.
A group of students told news agency JKNS that the revised charges now range between Rs 10,024 and Rs 16,800 for BBA, making higher education unaffordable for many.
“It is unfortunate that no one from the administration has taken note of this hike, which has severely affected our academics,” said Aqsa, a student of the college.
She said the students had approached the college authorities but got no positive response. “Such moves seem aimed at discouraging students from weaker economic backgrounds,” she added.
Another student, Shazia, said she felt deceived by the sudden increase. “When I joined, I calculated the full expenses for completing my degree. With this hike, I regret my decision of pursuing higher education,” she said.
Students alleged that the college and university were shifting responsibility to one another. “The college directed us to approach the Vice Chancellor’s office, but the University denied involvement in the decision,” a group of students said.
One student, visibly distressed, said, “We are left with no option but to either beg for fees or drop out in the final year. As an orphan living on my mother’s meagre income, I cannot afford this burden.”
The students urged authorities to roll back the hike immediately, warning that failure to address the issue could jeopardise the academic journey of hundreds of students from poor families.
Meanwhile, a University official clarified that the charges had been standardized across all affiliated colleges as part of a broader restructuring exercise.
He said students facing genuine financial difficulties may approach the concerned authorities for redressal. (JKNS)
