Colleges forcing parents to pay II PU fees by May 30

HUBBALLI: The future of thousands of students who will go to II PU is at stake after their colleges sent messages to parents asking them to pay next year’s fee by May 31.
With salary cuts, many losing jobs, and losses in business, it is difficult for them to pay fees. Though the department of pre university education (DPUE) is yet to decide on reopening colleges, many aided and unaided PU colleges across the state have started pestering parents to pay fees.
Now, many parents feel it is not fair to compel parents hit by Covid-19 to pay fees. Some of the parents want their wards to complete second PUC next year once life returns to normalcy.
Shivaleela Hiremath, a widow and a private school teacher, said her only son is pursuing PU in a reputed aided college in Hubballi. She got a message from the college asking her to pay Rs 40,000 by May 30.
“I have not got salary for two months and am struggling to meet daily needs. Now we are tensed as the college has warned that if we fail to send NEFT receipt of the fees by May 30, his admission will be cancelled,” she said with tears.
Joseph Lazarus, a parent in Kavuru, Mangaluru, said he lost his job as the Kerala-based company in which he was employed shut its branch. “Citing the Covid 19-lockdown, the college is not allowing us to meet the principal to request for time to pay my daughter’s fees. When called over the phone, they said they can’t even allow us to pay in instalments,” he said.
Vinayak K, a parent who works in a private firm from Mysuru, said he complained to DPUE by email about this issue but got no reply. “DPUE officials are acting like they know nothing about this issue. The college where my daughter is studying is not generating a challan with a lesser amount. Such moves will make many students to drop their studies,” he feared.
Poor response from officials
When contacted, Basavaraj Somannavar, Joint Director, R & G section, DPUE, Bengaluru, said he is unaware about the issue as he was appointed as Covid special officer in Bagalkot. He also suggested to contact the deputy director of pre university (DDPU) education of any district. Dharwad DDPU Sharada Kiresur said her department has not issued any circular to start admission for second PUC. “Education minister Suresh Kumar had instructed all colleges not to force parents to pay fees now. If we receive a specific complaint, we will forward it to Bengaluru for action. DDPUs don’t have power to act against private colleges,” she added. Minister Suresh Kumar did not respond to several calls and messages.