Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor, VK Saxena, has rejected GGSIPU’s proposal to impose affiliation fees on government institutes, prioritising affordable education for economically disadvantaged students.
In a decision to safeguard the educational prospects of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor, VK Saxena, has rejected a proposal by Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) to impose affiliation fees on government-affiliated institutes. GGSIPU is the largest university under the Delhi government, and this move underscores the importance of maintaining access to affordable higher education.
The proposed amendment to Clause 5 of Statute 24 would have required government colleges affiliated with GGSIPU to begin paying affiliation fees starting from the 2025-26 academic session. This change threatened to increase the financial burdens on these institutions, inevitably leading to higher course fees for students. Currently, affiliation fees are levied only on self-financed institutions, while government-run or funded institutions have been exempt.
LG Saxena highlighted the potential negative impact of this proposal, stressing that it could significantly affect students from lower-income families who depend on these government colleges for an affordable education. He pointed out that many meritorious students from poor backgrounds gain admission solely based on their talent and hard work. Implementing such a financial policy change could jeopardize their futures.
Saxena noted that the government colleges already manage substantial financial responsibilities, including application fees for provisional affiliations, which vary based on course and location. Requiring them to pay additional affiliation fees would exacerbate the financial strain.
By vetoing the affiliation fee proposal, LG Saxena has ensured that government institutes can continue offering quality education without adding to the financial stress on students. This decision preserves the accessibility and affordability of higher education, particularly crucial for students from low-income families for whom government colleges often represent the only feasible option.
However, recognising the financial needs of GGSIPU, LG has suggested that the university explore alternative revenue-generation methods to support its budget without burdening students. This balanced approach highlights the commitment to both fiscal responsibility and educational accessibility.
Article source: indiatoday.in
