The state higher education department has issued an order mandating that colleges must not charge students any fee under the name of 'union fee'. This directive follows a Calcutta High Court order passed on July 7. College principals have received Google Forms from the higher education department containing multiple questions to answer. Many colleges whose websites still list a 'union fee' have initiated internal discussions to remove it.
Key Directives from the Order
The notice instructs that any funds already collected under this head should be kept secure in a separate interest-bearing account. These funds must not be utilized or disbursed until further orders or until a Students' Union is duly elected. Additionally, all colleges and universities are required to conduct an audit of all expenditure incurred from the said fee heads since the date of the last duly held Students' Union election or since the expiry of the last elected body.
Compliance and Reporting
The audit report must be submitted to the director of public instruction within 30 days of the order's issuance. A compliance report detailing steps taken to stop collection, secure existing funds, and other related measures must be sent to the department within a month.
A college principal from central Kolkata commented, 'We used to take Rs 300 per year as union fee, which is clearly mentioned on our website. We received the order today, and we need to discuss the matter and take the necessary action to comply with the order.'
This move aims to ensure transparency and prevent unauthorized charges on students. Colleges are now reviewing their fee structures to align with the court's directive.
