Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 21: Amid continuing debate over its recent fee revision, the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) administration on Wednesday clarified that the hike is nominal and capped at 20%, with adequate safeguards for students from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).

In a statement issued through its Public Relations Office, the administration accused “vested interests” of spreading misinformation and creating “unnecessary apprehensions” among students and parents.

The clarification followed nearly two weeks of protests on campus, including sit-ins and a hunger strike by two students. The matter was later resolved after detailed discussions between student representatives and university authorities, chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, where a consensus was reached to cap the hike at 20% in line with Academic Council decisions.

According to the revised structure, the actual increases across courses range from 1.75% to 18.5%. Authorities underlined that the impact on monthly student expenditure is “minimal,” with continuation charges up by less than Rs 100 per month and hostel charges by under Rs 30 per month. Even after the hike, hostel fees remain among the lowest in the country at Rs 208 per month, inclusive of amenities such as annual dinner, hall magazine, sports, common room facilities, and high-speed internet.

The administration stressed that all additional revenue will be invested back into student welfare, including modernisation of classrooms and laboratories, hostel upgradation, and strengthening of sports and cultural infrastructure.

For students from weaker financial backgrounds, AMU reiterated that scholarships, fee waivers and financial assistance will continue, with a special committee already working on expanding such support in a transparent and equitable manner.

Reaffirming its stance, the university said:

“The fee revision is calibrated, reasonable and necessary for the University’s development. AMU will remain one of the most affordable institutions in the country, even as it strengthens academic and residential facilities.”