Question : Private Universities

(a) whether the Government proposes to put a check on the fees being charged from the students by the private universities during the lock-down period from April till date;
(b) whether the Government proposes to instruct the Universities not to charge fees for the facilities which are not being provided to the students by the private Universities;
(c) whether the Government proposes to get the hostel fees refunded or adjusted to the students studying in Universities of the private sector; and
(d) if so, the time by when; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF EDUCATION

(SHRI RAMESH POKHRIYAL ‘NISHANK’)

(a) to (e): UGC, has issued an advisory to all the Universities and Colleges wherein it was requested that in view of the extraordinary difficult circumstances due to COVID-19 pandemic, they may consider the matter regarding payment of annual/semester fee, tuition fee, examination fee, etc. sympathetically and if feasible, may consider offering alternative payment options to students till the situation returns to normal. It was further advised that if need be, the Universities and Colleges may also consider individual requests from students, received if any, concerning payment of fee, in a considerate manner, keeping in view the present COVID-19 pandemic.