Charge fees as per set rates, minister tells universities

Lucknow: UP's higher education minister Yogendra Upadhyay directed state universities to charge examination fees strictly according to the prescribed rates.Chairing a review meeting on Monday at the Vidhan Sabha, he said the govt has fixed semester-wise examination fees for various courses to ensure uniformity across universities.
A fee of Rs800 per semester has been prescribed for courses such as BA, BSc, BCom, BBA, BCA, BEd, BPED, BJMC, BFA and BVoc. Besides, a fee of Rs1,000 per semester has been fixed for courses like LLB, BSc agriculture (Hons), BTech and biotechnology, while Rs1,500 per semester has been prescribed for courses such as BDS, nursing, BAMS and BUMS.Universities found collecting fees higher than the prescribed rates would face audits and necessary action, Upadhyay said. "We are committed to making education accessible, affordable, transparent and student-friendly," he asserted.He said unnecessary increases in fees create difficulties for economically weaker students in accessing education. He added, "Universities should also work towards strengthening their resources, introducing new courses and improving financial management so that institutions can become self-reliant."