Students’ bodies, senate members oppose proposed Universities Act

One of the clauses in proposed Act demands Rs 1000 from each student taking admission for any course in the university

Mumbai : Several students’ organisations and members of the Mumbai University senate have opposed the proposed ‘Maharashtra State Universities Act’ saying some clauses will add unnecessary fiscal burden on students.

One of the clauses in proposed Act demands Rs 1000 from each student taking admission for any course in the university. Money received from students will be deposited in the funds for other students who cannot afford to pay fees for higher education.

Students who are opposing the Act say that scores of students in Mumbai take education loan or work in the long hour night shifts to pay their fees. Adding extra fees will be injustice to them.

From last four years, the proposed Act was under discussion and finally is in the making. The Bill is likely to be tabled in state legislature’s winter session. If passed, experts who are aware of the Act, say that it will change functioning of the universities in the state.

Sunita Chavan, a student of Mumbai University, said, “Several students take education loan or work in night shifts to pay their fees. If the proposed law is passed it will add fiscal burden on them.”

Senate member Sudhakar Tamboli said, “Mumbai is financial capital of the country. Big industrialists’ children study here so does wards of poor people. Rich students can very easily pay Rs 1000 but others cannot.”

He added, “I must appreciate the Act. No one should be deprived of education. This law should not be made compulsory. Those who can pay are welcome, those who cannot should not be harassed.”

He underlined that universities in general and University of Mumbai in particular, are not able to spend their funds given by the University Grant Commission. Before proposing new funds, existing funds should be used and for the right cause.

State secretary of higher education department, Sanjay Chahande, said, “The Act was proposed by Dr Arun Nigvekar committee. It is under discussion. Suggestions and objections are invited to make it stronger.”

Source | Free Press | 4 August 2015