Shimla, August 14
The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) has opposed the proposed fee hike at Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), terming it an unjustified burden on students, and demanded an independent judicial inquiry into alleged irregularities in appointments, promotions, admissions and utilisation of university funds.
In a detailed list of demands, SFI said HPU, being a public university, had a responsibility to provide affordable higher education and students should not be made to bear the financial consequences of alleged administrative failures or financial mismanagement. It demanded that the fee hike be withdrawn immediately and the university publish a transparent account of its income, expenditure, grants, fee collections and major construction spending.
SFI has also sought an independent, time-bound judicial inquiry into 186 appointments made during 2020-23, citing concerns it says arise from observations in the CAG report regarding verification of EWS certificates, educational qualifications and other documents. It questioned the independence of an internal committee constituted by the university and alleged possible conflict of interest involving members associated with appointments or promotions under scrutiny.
The students’ body demanded comprehensive verification of qualifications, experience, reservation certificates, UGC-NET exemptions and eligibility of teachers appointed during the relevant period. It also sought an independent review of Career Advancement Scheme promotions, including API scores, publications and service records.
SFI raised questions over the alleged acceptance of NGO and guest-faculty experience, recruitment during COVID-19 restrictions, direct appointments as Associate Professors and the exercise of appointment powers by a former Vice-Chancellor.
The organisation further demanded audits of UIIT finances, Ph.D. admissions, ITEP facilities, construction projects and tendering, including alleged cost escalation in a university building. It sought accountability over delayed lifts, expenditure on office renovation, engagement of guest faculty and prolonged vacancies in several departments.
SFI said students should not be treated as an “easy source of revenue” and demanded transparency, independent investigation and accountability before imposing additional financial burdens on them.
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