JNU hikes mess fees by up to 100%
What's the story
Many students of JNU, who solely depend on research fellowship, are struggling hard to cope with revised charges of late payment of mess dues and other items.
"We don't get fellowships and scholarships regularly on time. We get the same in installments, that is once in three to six months, and we pay the dues likewise," said S Rajamathangi, a PhD scholar.
Fees
'The revised fee is huge for deprived background people'
Pointing out about earlier fee structure, Rajamathangi said fine for late payment of mess bill was Re 1 per day after 24th of a month till last day of that month plus Rs 20 readmission fee.
"The revised version is Rs 20 per day and readmission fee is Rs 100," she said, adding this amount is very big as she belongs to deprived background.
Hike
Hikes of up 100% in some categories
The circular stated, "Under Mess Admission Dues category, the refundable mess security has been increased to Rs 4,500 from the earlier Rs 2,700, while the establishment charges per semester will be Rs 1,100 from Rs 550."
"Annual crockery/utensils charges have been increased from Rs 50 to Rs 200. Newspaper (annual) is revised from Rs 15 to Rs 50," it added.
Notification
Circular on hike was issued on Feb 27
A circular issued by office of Dean of Students on February 27 notified revision of charges of mess admission dues, fine for late payment and charges for extra items.
The circular also mandated its applicability retrospectively from January 1. However, the varsity later clarified it was only for establishment charges, and fees hike for rest of the items will be applicable from March 8.