Students at the Central University of Kashmir staged a protest on Tuesday against recent fee hike.
“The main reason for the protest is the significant increase in fees for various courses. Compounding the issue, students enrolled in the same courses report paying different amounts, leading to confusion and a sense of inequality,” the student protesters said in a statement issued to The Kashmiriyat.
They also highlighted the inadequacy of the university’s hostel facilities, with many students unable to secure accommodation. “There is a persistent issue with the availability of clean drinking water on campus, posing a serious health risk,” the statement added.
The protesters also claimed that the washroom facilities were in poor condition, lacking proper sanitation and maintenance.
In an effort to address these grievances, students have repeatedly appealed to university authorities for remedial action. “Despite these efforts, there has been no significant response or intervention from the authorities,” the students noted.
According to the statement, the students sent a letter to the Vice Chancellor requesting a direct address of their concerns, but he has yet to meet with the protesting students, further fueling disillusionment and discontent.
A protesting student spoke to The Kashmiriyat and said that their seniors would pay 30 to 40 per cent less fees than what the students are presently paying. “From our bus service to everything else, the university has not made any improvement of the facilities provided at the University,” he said.
Officials posted at the University said that the issue has bee taken up with the Vice Chancellor who has called a meeting to address the issue.