Student Protest Erupts Over Fee Hikes at Delhi University

The All India Students' Association at Delhi University protested against repeated fee hikes. They claim these hikes make education inaccessible for marginalized students. The fees were increased by 17% within six months, prompting students to demand a rollback, citing concerns about education turning into a paid service.

The All India Students' Association's Delhi University unit mounted a demonstration on Thursday, protesting what they viewed as unwarranted and frequent fee hikes.

The group, backed by the left, argued that these increases could make higher education inaccessible for marginalized communities. A recent university notification revealed a rise in DU's fee share to Rs 4,100 from Rs 3,500 within just six months, adding to a 20% hike declared in July.

Student leaders have met with university officials, seeking a reversal of the increase, and have criticized the administration for prioritizing a market-driven approach over inclusive education, viewing these changes as commodifying learning and risking the exclusion of poorer students.

(With inputs from agencies.)