The decision by Gujarat Technological University (GTU) to begin collecting affiliation fees from students this year has caused outrage among colleges and students also. The Association of Gujarat Engineering and Technological Diploma Colleges has written to the university, requesting that the proposal, which applies to both certificate and diploma courses, be withdrawn.
“Around 40,000 students have taken admission in the diploma courses,” said Jitendra Upadhyay, the association’s president. They are ready to protest because they were not informed beforehand. The GTU has justified the collection of affiliation fees by claiming that the fees are subject to GST.”
Previously, the affiliation fee for diploma courses was Rs 300 per course. Students will now have to pay Rs 300 for each year of study. Students will benefit if the varsity withdraws its measure and does not extend it to other courses, according to Upadhyay. AM