In the wake of Coronavirus lockdown, University Grants Commission (UGC) has urged educational institutions to consider requests received of students for relaxations and flexibility during the COVID 19 lockdown period. The commission has received many complaints alleging that their universities and colleges are forcing them to pay the fee during the ongoing lockdown period.
As per the notification, the commission has received grievances from the students and parents stating that universities and colleges are insisting upon immediate payment of annual or semester tuition fee or examination fee. It also reads “They have represented that due to the financial hardship being faced due to the lockdown, they are not in a position to make payment of fee.”
The UGC has urged institutions to consider the matter related to fees sympathetically and offer alternative payment options to students till the situation returns to normal.
The UGC letter says: “If need be, the universities and colleges may also consider individual requests from students, received if any, concerning payment of fee, in a considerate manner, keeping in view the present COVID-I9 Pandemic.”
Earlier, on the recommendation of the expert committee to address the grievances of the students arising out of the coronavirus pandemic situation, the UGC has set up a helpline and has also created an email. It has also formed a task force to monitor the grievances.
