Dimapur, 11 May (MTNews): Students of Eastern Christian College in Dimapur staged a demonstration outside their college campus in Padum Pukhuri in response to a hike in their college tuition fees.
According to the Eastern Christian College Students’ Union, led by President Aloka Yepthomi and General Secretary Inaka K Achumi, the cost of first installment for general students has been raised from Rs 3,150 to Rs 6,400, and for honors students from Rs 3,600 to Rs 6,400.
“This sudden increase is unacceptable. We understand that it is a private institution and they have every right to hike the fee but they can do it gradually, why double it all at once?” the student union leaders stated.
Furthermore, they also pointed out that the hike was more for general students, whereas honors students should be paying more.
According to them, the administration informed them that the fee increase was necessary due to inflation and the necessity to improve teacher wages. The students stated that they were not opposed to the teacher’s salary increase but are opposed to the hike in large amounts and believe that the authorities should have increased the fees in a gradual manner.
The students also stated that inflation affects them as well and hence appealed to the authorities to lower the hike stating that it is now serving as a burden to them as well as their parents.
The students also stated that they had earlier submitted a memorandum to the college authorities, and that after receiving no good response from the administration, they resorted to peaceful agitation.
Meanwhile, Dr Keneisenuo Solo, Principal of the college said that the hike will be implemented from the next semester and that the exams that are soon approaching will be affected in no way.
The principal went on to say that the college would take the matter to the Board and asked the students to understand them and appealed for peace.
Meanwhile, All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) President Toito D Chishi, who visited the college and held a meeting with the principal and the administration, stated that the students’ issues were genuine and that they have requested the principal and the administration to look into the problem.
The ECCSU further said that if their demands are not met, they will take the issue to the Minister of Higher Education.