IIT Delhi extends mess due date, waives condition for election participation amid fee hike concerns

NEW DELHI: A week after the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) students expressed concern about the increasing mess fees, the administration today informed that the last date to deposit mess dues has been extended to April 30. It also said that the defaulters will be allowed to participate in the college election.

The students met the IIT Delhi director at the Dogra Hall today. In the meeting, it was decided that the payment deadline for mess dues will be extended till April 30. The dean of students also in the mail addressed to students informed about waivers for elections.

Also read | IIT Delhi Fee Hike: Students claim they are paying salaries for mess workers, ask for alternative

In a recent notice on election, the ADSE said: “The contestants and electoral colleges must clear all the mess dues failing which they will not be allowed to participate in the elections. A list of the defaulters will be displayed in the hostels on 10th April - therefore clear your dues before that.” “The student should have cleared all dues before filing a nomination.” However, the administration has waived these two conditions for taking part in the elections.

IIT-D Students recently claimed that the average mess fee has been raised to around Rs 7,000 per month. Explaining the cost of food at the IITs, it asked for an alternative for the Board of Hotel Management (BHM) as students are paying the salaries of mess workers.

"Few students said that the main reason for hike in mess fees is the staff salary component and the removal of subsidy from the salary components. The continuous rise in mess fees has left students with no other option than to leave the hostel," the students group that voices against the fee hike tweeted a week ago.