‘Fees Almost Doubled’: Lucknow University students protest, demand roll back

Students at Lucknow University staged a protest today (April 27) against a recent fee hike. The protestors chose a unique method of demonstration by begging for alms outside the campus to highlight their concerns. The protest comes amid growing anger among students, who claim that fees for several courses, including LLB, have been significantly increased. Students said the revised fee structure was communicated only last week, leaving them shocked and unprepared.

Indefinite protest and sit-in continue

Following the announcement, students launched an indefinite sit-in protest on campus. They are demanding an immediate rollback of the revised fees and restoration of the previous fee structure.

“We were informed just last week that our fees have been increased, almost doubled, for courses like LLB. In response, we staged a protest and even began an indefinite demonstration,” a student told PTI.

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Meeting with Vice-Chancellor

Student representatives said they met the Vice-Chancellor to raise their concerns. According to them, the university administration assured that the fee structure would be reviewed and possibly reduced. However, no concrete action has been taken so far. “We met the Vice-Chancellor, who assured us that the fees would be reduced, but nothing has happened yet,” the student further said.

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Students have now appealed to the state government to intervene and roll back the fee hike. They emphasised that a large number of students come from economically weaker backgrounds, including families of farmers and labourers. “There should be provisions to ensure affordable, if not free, education,” the student added, stressing that the current fee structure could make higher education inaccessible for many.

Earlier this year, in February, protests broke out at Lucknow University after the administration fenced off the Lal Baradari, a Mughal-era structure located within the campus. Students alleged that the move was unauthorised and restricted access for Muslim students and community members who used the site for prayers during Ramzan. However, university authorities maintained that the structure was in a dilapidated condition and the fencing was installed purely as a safety measure to prevent entry into the unsafe building.

(With PTI inputs)