Panjab University vice-chancellor gives nod to 5% fee waiver

CHANDIGARH: Panjab University (PU) vice-chancellor Prof Raj Kumar on Tuesday approved 5% fee waiver for students of all courses for the current semester — a decision that implies faculty and non-teaching staff are likely to face salary cuts.
This because the pandemic has hit PU finances badly. The fee relaxation will further cost the university Rs 1.5crore to Rs 2crore for the semester. What’s more, Punjab government has not released its grant to the university, while the Centre had given its first quarter grant of two instead of three months.
On August 18, a proposal was tabled in meeting of a salary cut of 15% to 20% for the staff. It was suggested the amount would be reimbursed as and when the financial situation smoothens. However, the faculty opposed the suggestion.
Another decision was that 5% scholarship will be given to economically weaker section students of all the departments. Those enrolled as disabled in all departments will not have to pay fee for this semester.
S K Tomar, dean student welfare, PU, said the VC approved the proposal. The decision will be tabled in the coming syndicate meeting, he added. He said the committee tried to cover all the demands raised by students in the last month.
However, NSUI rejected the fee waiver, demanding a cut in the salary of the faculty to contribute for the welfare of students.