The start of the new academic session at Delhi Skills and Entrepreneurship University (DSEU) has been marked by a significant hike in fees for most of its 80 courses, excluding master programs. This sharp increase has sparked criticism and concern among students and teachers, while the administration cites a fund crunch as the reason for the hike.
A Significant Increase
The fee hike includes a fourfold increase for the Diploma in Architecture and nearly double for the Bachelor in Computer Applications. Previously, the first-year fee for the Diploma in Architecture was Rs 15,750, but it has now surged to Rs 63,000. Similarly, the fee for Bachelor in Computer Applications has jumped from Rs 52,700 to Rs 1,13,000.
Every year, the course fees are typically increased by 10% and adjusted in the semester fees. However, this year’s surge is unprecedented. For instance, the first-year fee for the Diploma in Pharmacy has also increased from Rs 15,750 to Rs 63,000, and the fee for Bachelor in Optometry and Bachelor in Library Sciences has doubled to Rs 1,13,000.
Reactions and Protests
Last month, the fee surge prompted a protest from students. On June 11, a group of 20 students from 19 different campuses of DSEU protested in front of the Directorate of Technical Education. They submitted a letter of requests but received no response. The protest was organized by Aawaz, a students’ union.
In a letter to Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena on June 12, a delegation of students expressed their concerns over the “dramatic increase in tuition fees.” The L-G later requested the university to consider fee relaxation, according to Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ashok K Nagawat.
Administrative Justifications
Vice-Chancellor Nagawat explained that the fee increase was overdue and necessary to address the university’s financial constraints. He noted that the Diploma in Architecture course, which was previously a slab-1 course with a tuition fee of Rs 10,000, has now been moved to slab-2 with a tuition fee of Rs 25,000. “Minimal fees were being charged for many years, but this year, considering the demand of the course and the resources required, we have increased the fees,” he said.
The DSEU is currently facing a fund crunch, with the annual budget allocated by the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi reduced from Rs 290 crore in 2023-24 to Rs 165 crore in 2024-25. Nagawat highlighted that he hopes for more funds to expand the faculty strength from 500 to 1,200.
Impact on Students
The fee increase has caused significant distress among students, particularly those from financially weaker backgrounds. A Bachelor in Technology student shared his struggle, saying, “I cannot submit my college fees… my father is a rickshaw driver. I have applied for a loan, but my father’s credit score is not enough to get the loan.”
A teacher, who wished to remain anonymous, criticized the fee hike, calling it unjustified and detrimental to students from low-income families. “Such a hike in fees is unjustified… It will deprive the financially weaker sections from pursuing technical education,” the teacher said.
Looking for Alternatives
The fee hike has forced many students to reconsider their options. A sister of an 18-year-old student who was considering applying to DSEU said the sudden hike has led them to explore other options like IGNOU. She expressed her concerns about her sister potentially having to drop a year to prepare for CUET (Common University Entrance Test)-UG, adding, “I want her to study. If she drops one year, she may be forced into marriage. We are dealing with a lot of financial struggles. I want her to become independent.”
Conclusion
The sharp surge in fees at DSEU has highlighted the financial challenges faced by educational institutions and the impact on students and their families. As the administration and students navigate these changes, the need for balanced solutions that ensure quality education while remaining accessible to all remains crucial.