Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor, VK Saxena, has rejected a request by Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) to charge affiliation fees to government-affiliated institutions in an effort to protect the educational opportunities of students from low-income families. This action highlights the need of preserving access to reasonably priced higher education, as GGSIPU is the biggest institution under the Delhi government.
The proposed amendment to Clause 5 of Statute 24 would have required government colleges affiliated with GGSIPU to begin paying affiliation fees starting from the 2025-26 academic session. This change threatened to increase the financial burdens on these institutions, inevitably leading to higher course fees for students. Currently, affiliation fees are levied only on self-financed institutions, while government-run or funded institutions have been exempt.
LG Saxena highlighted the potential negative impact of this proposal, stressing that it could significantly affect students from lower-income families who depend on these government colleges for an affordable education. He pointed out that many meritorious students from poor backgrounds gain admission solely based on their talent and hard work. Implementing such a financial policy change could jeopardize their futures.
LG Saxena has vetoed the proposal to increase affiliation fees for government colleges, ensuring quality education without financial strain on students. This decision preserves accessibility and affordability of higher education, especially for low-income families.
However, LG has suggested exploring alternative revenue-generation methods to support GGSIPU’s budget without burdening students. This balanced approach highlights the commitment to fiscal responsibility and educational accessibility, as government colleges already manage substantial financial responsibilities, including application fees for provisional affiliations.
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Source: India Today
