Ensure engineering colleges do not collect excess fee, National Council for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) tells OU, Kakatiya and JNTUH
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), examining a complaint filed in November 2024, against the management of JBIET, Moinabad here, allegedly for collecting excess fee from students of weaker sections, said JNTUH, Osmania and Kakatiya universities must ensure engineering colleges under their affiliation adhere to the prescribed fee structure.
The complaint was filed by one Hanumanth Naik and D. Rakesh of Moinabad, who alleged that JBIET had been collecting amounts from students of weaker sections, particularly Scheduled Tribes, exceeding the government order.
It also directed the Telangana Council of Higher Education (TGCHE) to take stringent action, including blacklisting colleges, if they are found to be violating the norms and guidelines.
NCST Member Jatothu Hussain further said that the universities must examine lapses and violations of fee structure by private engineering colleges in the last five years, and ensure that colleges do not retain candidates' certificates.
According to JNTUH's version, on behalf of JBIET, the institute adheres to the government-prescribed fee structure and did not collect any excess amounts from weaker sections. The fee receipts do not belong to the complainants. The original certificates are collected only for verification and returned promptly. The college claims to operate transparently and with integrity, it said.
The TGCHE too told the Commission a similar version and added that the fee receipts submitted by the complainants do not belong to them and that the complainants do not have a locus standi in the matter and requested the Commission to close the case.
Both JNTUH and TGCHE maintained that apart from the mandatory special fee of ₹5,500 per annum, certain other charges such as book bank scheme, life skills training, CRT training and NBA accreditation fees are optional.
However, the Commission found versions by both the authorities 'not satisfactory' and called for a sitting.
The recommendations now, to JNTU, Osmania and Kakatiya universities emerged at the sitting it had with Registrar and Director of JNTUH and Principal of JBIET in New Delhi on May 6.
JNTUH Registrar K. Venkateswara Rao, vide a letter on May 28, to all principals, reiterated the Commission's directions: 'follow the prescribed fee structure and do not retain students' certificates after completion of the programme'. He also warned them of strict action in case of violations.
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