Academic activities at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University (DSPMU) in Ranchi remained paralyzed for the sixth consecutive day on Monday as student protests against increased fees in various commerce courses intensified, resulting in locked gates and disrupted classes.
Student Protest and Leadership
Led by the Adivasi Chatra Sangh (ACS) and the All India Student's Association, demonstrators once again locked the university's main gates, preventing the normal functioning of academic sessions. The protest took a serious turn when Badal Bhokta, an ACS functionary, was hospitalized in the evening after falling ill during the demonstrations. Daya Ram, the Executive President of ACS, confirmed that the student groups are planning to escalate their agitation with a new course of protest action scheduled for Tuesday.
University's Justification for Fee Increase
University officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, provided context for the controversial fee structure. They explained that the fee revision was implemented in 2022 following directives from the state higher educational department. These directives mandated the university management to hire additional faculty members and specifically employ teachers who have cleared the National Eligibility Test (NET) and junior fellowship program.
A senior DSPMU official stated, "The implementation of these directives led to an increase in operational costs. Since commerce is a self-financing course, the fee charged for a year was fixed per semester, which is six months, back in 2022."
Administrative Standoff and Potential Consequences
In response to the ongoing crisis, South Chhotanagpur commissioner and vice chancellor (in-charge) Anjani Kumar Mishra convened a meeting with university officials on Monday. During the discussions, officials raised significant concerns about the logistical and financial implications of rolling back the fee hike.
They argued that such a reversal would create a complex situation where students who have already paid the enhanced fees over the past three years would likely demand reimbursement. Furthermore, they warned that students enrolled in other courses might raise similar demands, potentially creating a domino effect across the institution.
Mishra expressed the administration's firm stance, telling TOI, "The university disagrees with the student's demands. I have instructed university officials to conduct classes under any circumstances. If the gates remain locked, classes should be held in open spaces." He also revealed that police intervention was being considered to remove the protesters, though he assured that no legal action would be taken against the demonstrating students.
The standoff continues with no immediate resolution in sight, leaving the academic future of countless students hanging in the balance as both sides remain steadfast in their positions.
