Ahmedabad Family Recovers Rs 25,000 Token Fee After University Refund Delay
A routine admission payment escalated into a prolonged ordeal for an Ahmedabad-based family, who finally managed to reclaim Rs 25,000 paid as a token fee to a private university after months of delays and anxiety. The incident underscores the challenges students and parents often face during the admission season.
Admission Process and Initial Assurance
Law aspirant Anushka Bhatt sought admission to the BA LLB programme at Indus University in Ahmedabad and made a payment of Rs 25,000 on May 6, 2025. The transaction was acknowledged with an electronic receipt, and according to the family, university representatives verbally assured that the amount would be refunded if she decided to withdraw her application.
Her mother, Purvi Bhatt, recounted the initial hesitations, stating, "I received multiple calls from the university to confirm admission and pay the fees. However, we prioritized other institutions and did not proceed with the confirmation. Upon their insistence and the assurance of a refund for the token fee, I paid Rs 25,000. I obtained a receipt but was informed verbally that cancellation would trigger a refund."
Delays and Escalation to Consumer Body
In June, when the family opted to cancel the admission, they submitted the necessary documents, including the cancellation form, receipt, and bank details. However, the refund process stalled, leading to a protracted wait. Purvi Bhatt explained, "After deciding to cancel, the university did not act promptly and kept delaying for months. With no resolution in sight, I had no choice but to approach the Consumer Education and Research Centre (CERC) in Ahmedabad."
Following repeated follow-ups that yielded no results, the family lodged a formal complaint with CERC. The consumer body examined the documents and issued a notice to Indus University, demanding an explanation and urging immediate redressal of the grievance.
Resolution and Broader Implications
After CERC's intervention, the university contacted the complainant, collected the required bank details, and processed the payment. The full Rs 25,000 was subsequently refunded, bringing closure to the stressful episode.
CERC officials and activists note that such disputes are prevalent during admission seasons, when students frequently block seats at multiple institutions before finalizing their choices. Meghavi Joshi, manager of the complaint department at CERC, emphasized, "Educational institutions must honor their refund commitments and ensure timely grievance redressal. Delays in refunds not only cause financial hardship but also impose significant mental stress on students and their families."
This case highlights the importance of clear communication and adherence to policies in educational admissions, urging institutions to streamline their refund processes to avoid similar issues in the future.
