Aligarh Muslim University students demand fee reversal and return of union polls
'For this session, the fee for some courses has increased by around 30-40 per cent. For example, the B.Lib course fee was Rs 16,000 last year and has been raised to over Rs 22,000,' he said.AMU's Proctor Wasim Ali justified the hikes as necessary to improve infrastructure, asserting they stemmed from decisions made by 'various committees,' with increases ranging between Rs 500 and Rs 1,500 depending on the course.Khehami countered that the rationale failed to alleviate the financial burden on students, many from underprivileged and working-class families already struggling with essential expenses, including meals.PROTESTS, DEMANDS AND DEMOCRATIC DEFICITSThe Association's letter also urged immediate action over alleged misconduct during the protests.At Bab-e-Syed Gate, protestors conducting a peaceful dharna were reportedly dragged away amid claims of excessive force. Since no student union has existed at AMU for seven years, Khehami argued that any peaceful dissent is effectively 'gagged' by authorities lacking accountability and transparency.The absence of democratic bodies has heightened the communication gap on campus.Protesters at Bab-e-Syed Gate have voiced three core demands: a full rollback of the fee hike, restoration of student union elections delayed for eight years, and removal of senior university officials deemed responsible for the crisis.Their repeated boycott of classes underscores the depth of their grievances.UNIVERSITY RESPONSE AND CAMPUS CONDITIONSAMU Spokesman Omar Peerzada stated the university is addressing student concerns through dialogue. A committee led by Professor M Asmer Beg has been tasked with reviewing the fee issue.Continuing students have been invited to submit their suggestions via a proforma shared widely through social media, enabling them to outline their demands formally.In addition to the fee and governance issues, the student association has raised alarm about the squalid conditions in several AMU hostels. They described the living spaces as overcrowded with poor sanitation, urgently calling on the Union Education Minister to investigate.Opposition MPs have also taken up the matter, writing to Vice-Chancellor Prof Naima Khatoon to condemn the crackdown witnessed on Friday, when protestors offering collective prayers at their dharna were reportedly subjected to force.The protests have now captured sustained attention, reflecting a broader struggle for fairness, student rights, and institutional accountability. As classrooms remain empty and emotions run high, students and faculty alike await resolution to these pressing concerns.(With inputs from PTI)- Ends
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