Dear Sir / Madam,
As you are aware, the UGC on 29th April 2020 issued the Guidelines on Examinations and Academic Calendar in view of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The universities have been advised to plan their activities keeping in view the safety and interest of our stakeholders, giving the highest priority to the health of all concerned.
To address the grievances/concerns of the students arising out of the COVID-19 Pandemic situation, the UGC has set up a helpline and has also created an email. Further, on the existing Online Students Grievance Portal of UGC, a new Tab of COVID-19 related grievances has been created and the students can also lodge their specific grievance(s)/concem(s) arising out of COVID-19 pandemic on the portal. All these are being monitored by a Task Force of UGC which considers the concerns/grievances and addresses them appropriately.
We have received grievances from the students and parents stating that universities and colleges are insisting upon immediate payment of annual/semester tuition fees, examination fees, etc. They have represented that due to the financial hardship being faced due to the lockdown, they are not in a position to make payment of a fee.
It is requested, that in view of the prevailing extraordinary difficult circumstances, universities and colleges may consider the matter regarding payment of annual/semester fee, tuition fee, examination fee, etc. sympathetically and if feasible, may consider offering alternative payment options to students till the situation returns to normal. If need be, the universities and colleges may also consider individual requests from students, received if any, concerning payment of fee, in a considerate manner, keeping in view the present COVID-I9 Pandemic.
Looking forward to your support.
