Straight Answers

<div class="section1"><div class="Normal">Ashok Kolaskar, Vice-chancellor, University of Pune.<br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">How do you justify the fee hike for first year arts, science and commerce?</span><br />I would like to specify what the fee hike is: For FYBA it is Rs 1,500 now. Earlier the fees were Rs 987.50. FYBSC students will have to pay Rs 1,867 now, as against Rs 1,112.50 and FYBCOM fees are now Rs 1,607 as compared to Rs 1,027.50.This increase applies to regular courses only i.e. for those enrolled in aided colleges.<br />Besides, with the imposition of higher fees, students would be exempt from paying annual gathering charges, gymkhana fees and so on, which were hitherto being variably charged by colleges.<br />Now, they may pay only Rs 200 as maximum charge (if at all) towards development fund. So, in effect, we have not changed the amount of tuition fees, but have incorporated other charges in the hike. Moreover, fees have not changed for the last seven years. So, isn’t this hike justifiable with escalating costs, poor government support, expansion of infrastructural facilities and so on. As far as post graduate courses in the University are concerned, I admit we have increased fees. Like MSC students will now pay Rs 4,000 as laboratory charges. But we are extending additional facilities.<br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">What are the guidelines as regards the setting up of commerce laboratories in all colleges?</span><br />The primary objective is to expose commerce students to a multitude of learning aids -audio visual, internet surfing, exhibitions, guest lectures from industry, for which we charge students Rs 40 per year. Unfortunately, with an affiliation of 270 colleges and 150 institutes, we do not have machinery to check the use or misuse of this advanced and appropriate concept. After all, we are not expected to do policing? However, if there is any gap we are made aware of, we will take action.<br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">How do you assess the present ‘vitriolic scenario’ that the varsity finds itself in today?</span><br />I feel there is a wide communication gap. We are on the right track. A fee hike is inevitable if higher education is to be globally competitive. If students can pay exorbitant fees for MBA, engineering or MBBS, why not for higher education? </div> </div>