JNU announces partial rollback in fee hike; students, teachers term changes cosmetic and misleading

The Jawaharlal Nehru University on Wednesday decided to partially rollback the hike in hostel fees following a 16-day agitation, but the changes were termed "cosmetic" and "misleading" by students and members of teachers association.

The decision was taken in varsity's Executive Council (EC) meeting which had to be shifted outside the campus at the last moment fearing agitation by students.

"JNU Executive Committee announces major rollback in the hostel fee and other stipulations. Also proposes a scheme for economic assistance to the EWS students. Time to get back to classes," HRD Secretary R Subrahmanyam tweeted.

According to sources, the room rent which was raised to Rs 600 from Rs 20 for single occupancy will now be Rs 200. Similarly, for double occupancy the rent was hiked from Rs 10 to Rs 300. The amount will now be Rs 100.

A representative of the JNU Teachers' Association (JNUTA), said,"We will issue a statement when we have clear information. If the reports are to be believed, there is a no rollback but only cosmetic changes have been made."