100 Percent Hike in JNU Mess Fee Leaves Students Red-Faced

A circular issued by the office of Dean of Students of JNU notified revision of charges of mess admission dues.

The Jawaharlal Nehru University has increased its mess rates by 100 percent, drawing the ire of the students. 

(Photo Courtesy: www.jnu.ac.in)

The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi has increased its mess rate by 100 percent, attracting strong reactions from the students.

A circular issued by the office of Dean of Students in JNU on 27 February notified the revision of charges of mess admission dues, guest and guest meal charges, fine for late payment, and charges for extra items.

The new rule is applicable retrospectively from 1 January 2018, the circular read.

“Under the Mess Admission Dues category, the refundable mess security has been increased to Rs 4,500 from the earlier Rs 2,700, while the establishment charges per semester will be Rs 1,100 from Rs 550. Annual crockery/utensils charges have been increased from Rs 50 to Rs 200. Newspaper (annual) was revised from Rs 15 to Rs 50,” the circular added. 

Late payment of mess bill witnessed the highest jump, from Re 1 per day to Rs 20 per day.

Dean of Students Umesh Kadam was unavailable for comments. But former JNUSU General Secretary Satarupa Chakraborty called the circular ‘obnoxious’.

An obnoxious circular is being issued by the JNU administration with retrospective effect. I am shocked that this administration is not leaving a single stone unturned to attack the livelihood of students. A university which was a place for students, particularly for the deprived sections, is becoming a place for subsequent alienation of thousands of students. 

Satarupa Chakraborty, Student and former JNUSU General Secretary. 

(With inputs from PTI.)

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