‘Small group of students protesting’: IIT Guwahati defends fee hike, emphasizes formal dialogue

Emphasizing that only a small group of students is protesting the increase in fee, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati reiterated its commitment to student welfare and dialogue through constructive and formal channels. Research scholars and MTech students staged a protest on the campus against the IIT Guwahati fee hike alleging that the institute didn’t fulfill its promises during the open house.

In its defense, IIT G said that it revised the semester fee after seven years to support enhanced student welfare and activities, including increased allocations for hostel-level events, cultural and sports festivals, and Gymkhana-led initiatives beyond just Inter-IIT participation. There has been a fee hike of Rs 8,900 per semester for the continuing students, the institute noted.

Following the announcement, a group of PG and PhD students requested an open-house meeting seeking clarification on the increased components of the fee. According to the institute, detailed explanations were provided during a four-hour discussion on July 17 and the students were encouraged to submit concerns - none of which have been received so far.

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The students were also informed that the institute has made provisions for loans through the Students' Welfare Fund to support the ones in need.

IIT Guwahati protest

However, on July 22, a small group of students suddenly began protesting in front of the administrative building without prior notice or formal representation of their demands, the institute argued. The institute noted that the protestors bypassed the elected student body, comprising 8,400 students, which has disassociated itself from the protest.

In a statement, the elected representatives said, “Despite the ongoing dialogue within the elected student body to put up a proposal for consideration of fee revision, this small group of protesting students disobeyed the student representatives, jeopardizing their efforts at reconciliation. The elected student body is not part of this protest and is also working through the proper channel for an amicable solution to the increased components of the fee.”

Students have alleged that IIT Guwahati has stopped them from registering for the semester due to non-payment of the “hiked” fee.