For nearly three weeks, students at Lucknow University (LU) have been protesting a fee hike introduced shortly after the appointment of Vice-Chancellor Jai Prakash Saini. What began as a dialogue between students and the V-C, has since escalated into an indefinite protest, with FIRs filed against eight students.(Sign up for THEdge, The Hindu’s weekly education newsletter.)Students continue to gather outside the Vice-Chancellor’s office, chanting, “V-C tumko wapas karna hoga, nahi toh daily dharna hoga, (V-C you’ll have to take it back, or else we’ll protest daily)” as they wait for a response to their demands. Prem Prakash Yadav, a second-year student of M.A. Hindi said, “This is a public university, the kids of the poor and farmers come to study here. They deserve to know why they are asked to pay more.”
Upcoming webinar: Toppers, ICAI explain how to crack CA examThe fee hike is expected to affect over 500 colleges affiliated with the Lucknow University, drawing support from leaders across parties, including the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and Apna Dal (Kamerawadi), who have extended logistical and material assistance to the protesters. Despite political affiliations with groups such as NSUI and the Samajwadi Party, student leaders involved in the protest say they are setting aside party differences to focus on the broader issue of affordability in education.Administrative response and escalationThe controversy began with a notice announcing changes in fee structures and a reduction in seats in self-financed courses. The administration cited financial constraints, stating that the university was struggling to pay its teaching faculty. Apart from which, students also allege that the university is charging them ₹1000 additional fee in M.A. Public Administration.
