Jai Hind College accused of charging students for using Wi-Fi

The management of Jai Hind College in South Mumbai has been accused of collecting fees for the usage of Wi-Fi and internet facilities that have been recommended by the education ministry and the University of Mumbai. According to MNVS (Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena (MNVS) activists who met the joint director of higher and technical education regarding the charges being collected from the students, the management is resorting to profiteering and should be investigated by the authorities.

Speaking about the Rs 1,000 charge being collected by the management for the use of Wi-Fi and internet facilities on the college campus, Chetan Pednekar, vice-president, MNVS, said that they had received complaints from students regarding the discriminative practices being adopted by the college for usage of internet and Wi-Fi facilities that educational institutions are expected to provide free of cost to students on the campus.

“Many students and parents have complained to us that while taking admission in Jai Hind College they were not informed of the additional amount that they would have to pay for the internet and Wi-Fi facilities being provided on the campus. There are many who cannot afford to pay the amount and hence are kept away from the benefits of the facilities. Such discriminative practices are detrimental to the progress of the students and the college management should refrain from such practices,” said Mr Pednekar.

He added that MNVS activists under the leadership of president Aditya Shirodkar had met the authorities and apprised them of the same and had sought an investigation and action against the college management.

In response to the allegations, the management of Jai Hind college in a statement said, “While the government and the University of Mumbai have recommended provision of Wi-Fi and internet facility to students on the campus, the same cannot be afforded in the current fee structure and hence the students are asked to pay the Rs 1,000 amount for free and unlimited use of the facility throughout the year. It is voluntary and only students interested in taking advantage of the facility have been asked to pay. This is the handiwork of some vested interests who have some personal agenda behind maligning the college and the management.”

Source | Asian Age | 13 August 2015