UGC Asks Universities and Colleges Not to Force Students into Paying Fees Immediately

University Grant Commission has asked universities and colleges to not compel students into paying fees immediately taking into account the financial hardship being faced by students due to the coronavirus.

According to the UGC, “Due to the lockdown amid the Coronavirus outbreak, students are facing financial hardship and are unable to make payment of fees.”

“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,” UGC said.

The commission sent a letter to vice-chancellors and principals after it received grievances from the students and parents that colleges were compelling them to pay fees immediately.

Earlier this month, UGC had issued an email and helpline number for addressing grievances of students related to coronavirus. In case of any query, students can call at 011-23236374 or email at covid19help.ugc@gmail.com.

Questions related to examinations and other academic activities can be raised on the existing online grievance redressal portal of the commission.

Students can also raise queries related to examination and other academic activities on the existing online grievance redressal portal of the commission.

The UGC has formed a task force to monitor concerns of students, teachers, institutions and to address them accordingly.

In another message, the UGC has also asked deemed to be universities to not use the word ‘university’ with their names. If need be, these institutions can use - deemed to be university - with parentheses, the UGC said. The direction was according to a court judgment, the regulator said.