Two major decisions have hit the education sector today. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has urged universities and colleges across the country, to not compel students to pay fees for the upcoming academic year. The conditions of the students who cannot pay the fees should be treated favorably. In the wake of the financial crisis following Covid-19, some colleges have forced students to pay annual, semester tuition and exam fees. It is in this context that the UGC has sent a letter to the universities and colleges asking for a deferment in fee payment. The letter composed by the UGC also the higher educational institutions to find alternative ways of accepting fees.
Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan has addressed the issues of school students across the state. While addressing the media during the regular evening press meet, CM has said that no school should increase the fees at this particular financial stage. He maintained that children and parents should not be disturbed during the crisis. The Chief Minister said that the education sector needs to be adjusted to meet the challenges of the new situation and make necessary changes. The same applies to private schools, he added.
The chief minister pointed out that some unhealthy practices have been observed regarding the fee hike of some private schools. He also condemned the practices of some private schools, which have demanded the fee receipt for providing the books for next year.