SPPU Exams 2021: Pune University to put exam fee cut proposal before management council

Over the past few days, students studying in SPPU’s affiliated colleges have been flooding social media portals with their demands for an exam fee waiver.

SPPU Exams 2021: Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) administration has finally decided to put up a proposal to reduce or waive exam fee before its management council. According to the reports, the council will meet on June 26. Over the past few days, students studying in SPPU’s affiliated colleges have been flooding social media portals with their demands for an exam fee waiver. Meanwhile, a student-led group called Student Helping Hands has also started a photo campaign, where pictures of students holding placards on fee relief are being shared and various authorities — such as the higher and technical education ministry and CMO Maharashtra —being tagged.

At present, the application process for SPPU Exams 2021 for second-semester examinations is underway. The reports suggest that the varsity will be conducting the exams from July 15 onwards. Students fill the exam forms through their respective colleges, which forward them to the university. Many colleges had held back forms owing to non-payment of fee before the SPPU instructed them not to do so. However, the university has now announced a late fee penalty.

Students protesting against the exam fee claim that the Covid pandemic has led to a financial crunch at many homes, owing to loss of jobs or income.

“For students coming from rural areas, paying exam fees is a challenge since their families are struggling to make ends meet. In such cases, colleges are not sending their forms ahead despite the university notice. Also, when a regular exam fee is a struggle, how can they pay late fee? The university should take heed of these complaints and ensure no student is left out,” said Kamlakar Shete, a student activist.

Vice-chancellor Dr Nitin Karmalkar said he was aware of the demand for the waiver. “The solution isn’t as simple as that. But we will put this proposal before the management council,” he said.

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