Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 27

A special panel headed by the Panjab University Dean University Instructions (DUI) and the Finance & Development Officer has recommended no fee hike for students for the second consecutive year owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The recommendations have been sent to the Panjab University Vice-Chancellor for his final approval. After his approval, the suggestions will be implemented for the next session. The suggestion from the panel is likely to benefit nearly 35,000 students. However, no recommendation or decision has to be taken regarding ‘fee hike’ for colleges.

Last year, the university also allowed students to pay the semester fee in instalments.

“The recommendations have been made keeping in mind the financial effect of this pandemic on students and their families. Though it’s not easy for the university to take this decision amid limited resources, it has been decided to not to burden the students,” said an official concerned.

Last year, the PU Syndicate had deferred the 7.5 per cent fee hike for self-financed courses and 5 per cent for traditional courses for the new session.

Online examinations

For the second consecutive year, Panjab University will conduct online examinations. This year, the authorities are planning to conduct these examinations in a more professional way. “Since last year, the authorities are planning to conduct examinations in a more professional way. Considering the need of the hour, some private ventures have shown their interest in helping Panjab University in conducting examinations,” said an official.