Union Minister of Human Resource Development Smriti Zubin Irani visited DU’s Hindu College on Tuesday to look into the issue of extension of fee waiver for differently-abled students.
Ms. Irani’s visit comes after a visually-impaired student met her at an event in Khalsa College on Monday.
Sandeep, a first year UG student, had sought her help.
The visit led the college to announce that the fee waiver will be implemented for differently-abled students, with cheques to be issued immediately. Apart from a full fee waiver on hostel fee, the students will get a 50 per cent waiver on mess dues.
Hostel warden Poonam Sethi said: “When the scheme of providing a fee waiver to students under People with Disabilities (PWD) category was launched, it was decided that half the amount will be paid by the college and the other half by the University. DU later informed the college that funds should be arranged from the Governing Body. However, after many representations to the DU and Governing Body, it was decided that the scheme will not be extended as the latter alone cannot fund it.”
During her 20-minute visit, Ms. Irani also met Sandeep and a group of teachers who have been protesting since the past 42 days after they were penalised by the college for writing to Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung about alleged irregularities in the college.
The Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) members also met the Minister and submitted a representation about the alleged irregularities.
DUTA also asked her to look into the issue of delay in payment of teachers’ pension and implementation of the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS).
“Ms. Irani assured us that she will raise the issue in the representation with the Governing Body. She also said a meeting will be called to discuss CBCS,” said DUTA chief Nandita Narain.
Hindu College announces full fee waiver on hostel fee
